Elective Surgery After Stroke And Others: The Different Types Of Surgery
Surgery is the last resort a doctor considers to treat a condition and prolong the life of a patient. Surgical options are so many nowadays due to the advancements and technology we have and the complexity of each medical condition. For example, there is an elective surgery after stroke, should this be done at once or can it be postponed until the patient recovers? Here, let us discuss the different kinds of surgery into two types: based on need, severity, and urgency. What is the difference between an elective and a required surgery?
Surgery is the last resort a doctor considers to treat a condition and prolong the life of a patient. Surgical options are so many nowadays due to the advancements and technology we have and the complexity of each medical condition. For example, there is an elective surgery after stroke, should this be done at once or can it be postponed until the patient recovers? Here, let us discuss the different kinds of surgery into two types: based on need, severity, and urgency. What is the difference between an elective and a required surgery? What is the difference between minor and major surgery? What is the difference between an emergency and urgent surgery?
What is the difference between an elective and a required surgery?
Elective surgery is a procedure that is typically non-medical in nature and is scheduled in advance. Examples can be cosmetic surgery procedures and cesarean deliveries (except for cases where fetal distress or maternal complications happen during labor).
A required surgery needs to be performed to treat a medical condition. It may not be an urgent or emergency case, but its necessity is obvious. Examples can be kidney stone removal, lithotripsy, or gallbladder removal surgery.
What is the difference between minor and major surgery?
These two are very easy to distinguish from each other. Minor surgeries are localized and can be done on an outpatient basis, while major surgeries require close monitoring and at least an overnight stay in the hospital for immediate postoperative recovery.
What is the difference between an emergency and urgent surgery?
Some people confuse urgent and emergency surgery as the same procedures, but actually, they are not. While urgent surgery is considered a required surgery that a patient has to undergo in order to treat his condition, it is not life-threatening enough to be performed at once. Emergency surgery, on the other hand, wastes no time and has to be performed immediately to save a life. Examples of urgent surgery may include amputation, revision surgery, and appendectomy, while emergency surgery can be repair and treatment for trauma, obstruction, and bleeding.
