OPEN SURGERY Meaning and
Definition
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Open surgery, also known as traditional surgery or conventional surgery, is a medical procedure that involves making a large incision, usually several inches long, in the body to access and treat the affected or targeted area. During open surgery, surgeons use manual instruments and directly visualize the organs or tissues being operated on.
This approach is commonly employed when less invasive techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic surgery, are not suitable or cannot be performed due to various factors like complexity, size of the area to be operated on, or the specific condition being treated. Open surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
The incision made during open surgery allows the surgeon to have a direct line of sight and access to the targeted area, enabling them to manipulate the organs or tissues with greater control and precision. Compared to less invasive techniques, open surgery may require a longer recovery time due to the larger incision and the potential damage caused to surrounding tissues. However, open surgery continues to be necessary and valuable in several medical scenarios, especially in emergency situations, when more extensive intervention is required, or when the surgeon determines it as the most effective treatment option for a specific condition.
Etymology of OPEN SURGERY
The word "open" in the term "open surgery" comes from the Old English word "opan" which means "to open" or "to unfasten". The term "surgery" has its roots in the Latin word "chirurgia" and the Greek word "kheirourgia", both meaning "handiwork or operation performed with hands". Therefore, "open surgery" refers to a surgical procedure in which the body is opened or an incision is made to access the internal structures.
