Surgery requires doctors to make incisions to access internal organs and other tissues. While the majority of surgeons take great care to avoid injuring the patient, surgical trauma can still occur.
Negative health effects accompany many surgical procedures, but these effects are expected to resolve as the body heals from incisions, sutures, and/or tissue removal. Conversely, surgical trauma involves injuries to the body that occur unintentionally during surgical procedures. These injuries can affect healthy tissues and may cause symptoms in addition to the medical condition or injury currently being treated.
Surgical trauma falls into a few categories:
While incisions are an essential part of surgical procedures, they can also contribute to adverse health effects. This is especially true when it comes to complex procedures requiring deep, sizable incisions.
Doctors must assess a patient carefully prior to a surgical procedure to ensure the best possible outcome. In cases where a minimally invasive procedure can be used, a patient will typically face fewer risks and a faster recovery. Doctors must also ensure proper planning of the procedure to anticipate any potential complications.
Patients can also play a positive role in their outcomes. Be sure to ask lots of questions before surgery, especially those related to what you should do (and what you should avoid) during your recovery. It can also be helpful to seek a second opinion for major surgical procedures. A second opinion can provide more information and help you play a proactive role in your healthcare.