Basic Surgical Procedures: A Guide for Medical Students

Surgery is a critical branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating various disorders and conditions with surgical procedures. Whether you are a medical professional or a student learning about surgery, it is essential to have a proper understanding of basic surgical procedures. This article aims to provide an overview of basic surgical procedures that every medical student should know.

Preoperative Preparation

Preoperative preparation is a crucial part of any surgical procedure. Before the procedure, the patient’s health condition must be checked thoroughly. This includes a complete physical examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests. The surgeon should also explain the surgical procedure and risks to the patient. The patient should be given enough time to ask questions and clarify their doubts.

The preoperative team should also ensure that the surgical equipment and supplies are adequately prepared for the procedure. This includes sterilizing the equipment, arranging for the anesthesiologist to administer anesthesia to the patient, and ensuring the operating room is sanitized.

Intraoperative Procedures

During the surgical procedure, the surgeon follows a set of procedures to ensure the procedure is handled effectively and efficiently. The basic intraoperative procedures include creating the incision, controlling bleeding, and managing tissues around the area of surgery.

The surgeon creates the surgical incision with surgical instruments. The incision’s size depends on the surgical procedure and the exact location of the surgery. The next step is to control bleeding in the area of the incision by various traditional methods such as clamping, suturing, or using cautery tools. The surgical team will also manage tissues around the area of surgery to make sure they are displaced correctly for adequate access and dissecting the body tissue to the target area.

Postoperative Procedures

Postoperative procedures are the final stage of any surgical procedure. After the surgery completes, the patient is transferred to the recovery area for observation and monitoring. The patient’s vital signs, such as respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate, are frequently checked. The patient is also kept well hydrated and given medication for pain relief and antibiotics for infection prevention.

The postoperative team will also inform the patient and their loved ones about the patient’s condition and any issues that may arise in the recovery period. The team will also provide a recovery plan to the patient to take care of their needs, such as diet, wound care, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.

In conclusion, basic surgical procedures include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. An understanding of the surgical procedures helps medical students appreciate the critical role played by surgical procedures in healthcare. Proper practice, preparation, and training enable surgical procedures to be effective and safe to patients.