Categories of Surgical Procedures

Question 1

performed to determine the orgin and cause of a disorder or the cell type for cancer

Answer 1

Diagnositc

Question 2

performed to resolve a health problem by repairing or removing the cause

Answer 2

Curative

Question 3

performed to improve a patient’s functional ability

Answer 3

Restorative

Question 4

performed to relieve symptoms of a disease process, but does not cure

Answer 4

Palliative

Question 5

performed primarily to alter or enhance personal appearance

Answer 5

Cosmetic

Question 6

planned for correction of nonacute problem

Answer 6

Elective

Question 7

requires prompt intervention; may be life threatening if treatment is delayed more than 24 to 48 hours

Answer 7

Urgent

Question 8

requires immediate intervention because of life-threatening consequences

Answer 8

Emergent

Question 9

procedure without significant risk; often done with local anesthesia

Answer 9

Minor

Question 10

procedure of greater risk; usually longer and more extensive than a minor procedure

Answer 10

Major

Question 11

only the most overtly affected areas involved in the surgery

Answer 11

Simple

Question 12

extensive surgery beyond the area obviously involved; is directed at finding a root cause

Answer 12

Radical

Question 13

surgery performed in a body cavity or body area through one or more endoscopes; can correct problems, remove organs, take tissue for biopsy, re-route blood vessels and drainage systems; is a fast-growing and ever-changing type of surgery

Answer 13

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)