Conservative surgery refers to a surgical approach that aims to save as much healthy tissue as possible, rather than removing it. The word "conservative" is pronounced /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/ [kuhn-sur-vuh-tiv], with the stress on the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced as soft "s" sound /s/, while the "g" is silent. The word "surgery" is pronounced /ˈsɜːdʒəri/ [sur-juh-ree], with the stress on the first syllable. The "g" in "sur" is pronounced as a soft "j" sound /dʒ/. Overall, the word is easy to spell once the phonetic pronunciation is understood.
Conservative surgery, also known as conservative management or conservative therapy, refers to a medical approach that aims to preserve or salvage a tissue or organ instead of removing or replacing it outright. It involves surgical interventions that are less invasive and more limited in scope as compared to radical treatment options. The primary purpose of conservative surgery is to remove or eradicate the disease or pathology while maintaining as much of the healthy tissue or organ functionality as possible.
This approach is commonly employed in various medical specialties, including oncology, orthopedics, gynecology, and dentistry, among others. Examples of conservative surgical procedures may include tumor removal while preserving the affected organ or limb, joint-sparing procedures in orthopedics, or minimally invasive techniques in gynecological conditions.
Conservative surgery offers several advantages over more aggressive surgical treatments. It reduces the risk of complications and post-operative morbidity, preserves organ function, and often leads to faster recovery times for the patient. This type of surgery may be chosen when there are concerns about the patient's overall health, when the disease is at an early stage, or when the affected area can be safely preserved without compromising the individual's well-being.
To determine the most appropriate treatment plan, healthcare professionals consider various factors such as the patient's medical history, diagnostic tests, disease progression, and individual preferences. Conservative surgery plays a vital role in personalized medicine, where treatment decisions are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.
Surgical treatment which aims to preserve and restore injured or diseased parts, avoiding operative mutilation or removal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "conservative" in the context of surgery comes from the Latin word "conservare", which means "to keep, preserve, or save". It is derived from the Latin words "con-" (together) and "servare" (to watch over or keep safe).
In the medical field, "conservative surgery" refers to a surgical approach that aims to preserve and retain as much healthy tissue as possible while effectively removing or treating the disease or condition. The term emphasizes the idea of being cautious and avoiding unnecessary or excessive intervention.
The use of "conservative" in this context dates back to the late 19th century, when surgical techniques started shifting towards more precise and targeted procedures that sought to minimize tissue damage and maximize preservation. It contrasts with more radical or extensive surgical methods that involve extensive tissue removal or organ resection.