What Is Surgery? Types, Benefits & Recovery Process Explained

What is Surgery?

Surgery is a medical procedure performed to repair or replace a tissue or organ, remove an obstruction or implant a device in the body to improve the quality of life. Also called an operation, it is used to treat diseases, injuries and other disorders that can no longer be managed with medications and therapies. Surgery can also be performed to inspect a tissue or cell, find the location of a disease, reposition organs/structures and improve the physical appearance.

Doctors decide to perform surgery based on the health condition and medical history of the patient. Moroevr, surgery may also be performed during an emergency to save a patient's life.

When is Surgery Required?

Surgery is required in the following cases:

To redirect blood vessels
To repair or remove damaged/deceased tissues
To remove an obstruction, like blocked arteries
To implant mechanical or electronic devices, like stents
To transplant a tissue or organ
To explore a medical condition for proper diagnosis
For the biopsy of a tissue or cell
To reposition organs/structures to their normal position
To improve physical appearance

Types of Surgery

Check out the various types of surgeries based on the timing, organ system and the degree of invasiveness:

Based on Timing:

Surgeries can be divided into two types based on the timing of the procedure:

Emergency Surgery – An emergency surgery is performed to treat an urgent medical condition that may be life threatening. It is usually performed to save a patient's life. Some of the most common examples of emergency surgery are surgery for heart attacks, gunshot wounds, acute appendicitis, etc.
Elective Surgery – An elective surgery is a non-emergency surgery that can be scheduled in advance. It is usually performed to treat a serious condition or to improve the quality of life. Some of the most common examples of elective surgery are surgery for cancer, joint replacement surgery, cosmetic surgery, etc.

Based on Organ System:

Here are some of the most common types of surgery based on the organ system:

Cardiac Surgery – Cardiac surgery is performed on the heart or great vessels to treat ischemic heart disease complications, heart valve diseases or congenital heart diseases.
Orthopaedic Surgery – An orthopaedic surgery is performed on the musculoskeletal system to treat conditions affecting the muscles, bones and joints.
Gynaecological Surgery – Gynaecological surgery is performed on the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, cervix and vulva.
Neurosurgery – Neurosurgery is performed on the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord & spinal column and the peripheral nervous system.

Based on Degree of Invasiveness:

Take a look at the two types of surgery based on the degree of invasiveness:

Conventional Open Surgery – Conventional open surgery involves making a large incision on the body to access the internal body cavity of interest. For example, open heart surgery.
Keyhole/Minimally Invasive Surgery – A minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision to insert miniature medical instruments into the body cavity of interest. For example, angioplasty.

Tips to Speed Up Recovery After Surgery

Here are a few tips to speed up recovery after surgery:

Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal properly
Sleep for at least 7-9 hours every night with multiple short naps throughout the day
Move around and walk a little to improve circulation in the body
Eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet comprising fresh fruits & vegetables and lean meats
Avoid lifting anything heavy for the first few weeks
Wash your hands before touching your stitches to avoid infection
Stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 litres of water every day
Take all your medicines on time and show up for your follow-up consultations
Visit your doctor if you see bleeding, drainage or swelling in the incision
Avoid driving for a few weeks after an abdominal, hip, back, shoulder, leg or arm surgery

Surgery: FAQs

Q1. What are the 2 types of surgery?

Ans: Two of the most common types of surgery are emergency surgery and elective surgery based on the timing of the procedure. However, based on the degree of invasiveness, two types of surgery are conventional open surgery and minimally invasive/ keyhole surgery.
Q2. What to avoid before surgery?

Ans: You must avoid alcohol, spicy food, processed snacks and heavy or fatty foods at least 2-3 days before your surgery to aid digestion and reduce bloating. You will not be allowed to eat anything solid for up to 8-10 hours before your surgery. Moreover, water and other liquids will not be allowed up to 2 hours before the surgery.
Q3. Is there any food to avoid after surgery?

Ans: You must avoid foods high in Vitamin K to prevent blood clots, such as cauliflower, cabbage, soy beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, etc.
Q4. Can I eat rice before surgery?

Ans: You can eat rice a day before the surgery but on the day itself.
Q5. Who is at high risk during surgery?

Ans: People with pre-existing conditions, like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc., and those with an anaesthesia allergy are usually at a higher risk during surgery.
Q6. Can I eat bananas after surgery?

Ans: Yes. You can eat bananas after surgery as they are easier to digest and are high in potassium, which aids in muscle recovery and electrolyte balance.
Q7. Is coconut water good after surgery?

Ans: Yes. You can drink coconut water after surgery for hydration and electrolyte balance.
Q8. Why no milk should be consumed before surgery?

Ans: Milk should not be consumed up to 6 hours before surgery as it has lots of fats that stay in the stomach for much longer than other liquids.
Q9. What to say to a patient before surgery?

Ans: You can say ‘Good Luck’ or ‘All the Best’ to a patient before surgery.

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Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in