Surgical Specialties & Patient Care Essentials

Posted on Aug 6, 2025 in Medicine & Health

Surgical Wounds, Hemorrhage, Shock, Fluid Balance, & Burns

1. Surgical Wounds

Definition

A surgical wound is a cut or incision made during surgery, or it may result from an injury requiring surgical intervention. These wounds need proper care to prevent infection, promote healing, and restore tissue integrity.

Types of Surgical Wounds

  • Clean Wounds: No infection, created under sterile conditions (e.g., elective surgery).
  • Clean-Contaminated Wounds: Minor contamination (e.g., gastrointestinal surgery).
  • Contaminated Wounds: Significant contamination, risk of infection (e.g., trauma wounds).
  • Infected Wounds: Already infected before surgery (e.g., abscess drainage).

Stages of Wound Healing

  1. Inflammatory Phase (0–5 days): Blood clotting, inflammation, and immune response.
  2. Proliferative Phase (4–24 days): New tissue formation, fibroblast activity, collagen deposition.
  3. Remodeling (Maturation) Phase (21 days–1 year): Wound contraction, scar formation.

Complications of Surgical Wounds

  • Infection: Redness, swelling, pus formation (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus infection).
  • Dehiscence: Wound reopening due to poor healing.
  • Hematoma: Blood accumulation at the wound site.
  • Seroma: Fluid accumulation under the skin.

Wound Management

  • Aseptic technique: Prevents infection.
  • Dressing and bandaging: Keeps the wound clean and protected.
  • Antibiotic therapy: For infected wounds.
  • Sutures and staples: Proper closure of the wound.

2. Hemorrhage in Surgery

Definition

Hemorrhage is excessive bleeding that occurs during or after surgery due to damaged blood vessels. It can lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not managed properly.

Types of Hemorrhage

  • Primary Hemorrhage: Occurs during surgery due to vessel injury.
  • Reactionary Hemorrhage: Occurs within 24 hours post-surgery (e.g., slipped ligature).
  • Secondary Hemorrhage: Occurs 7–14 days post-surgery due to infection or vessel erosion.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pale skin, cold and clammy.
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • Dizziness, weakness.

Management of Hemorrhage

  1. Direct Pressure: Applying pressure to stop bleeding.
  2. Surgical Hemostasis: Suturing or cauterization of bleeding vessels.
  3. Fluids and Blood Transfusion: Restoring blood volume.
  4. Medications: Vasopressors to maintain blood pressure.

3. Shock in Surgery

Definition

Shock is a life-threatening condition caused by insufficient blood circulation, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues. It can occur due to severe hemorrhage, trauma, or infection.

Types of Shock

  1. Hypovolemic Shock: Due to blood or fluid loss (e.g., hemorrhage, dehydration).
  2. Cardiogenic Shock: Due to heart failure (e.g., myocardial infarction).
  3. Septic Shock: Caused by severe infections.
  4. Neurogenic Shock: Due to spinal cord injury.
  5. Anaphylactic Shock: Severe allergic reaction.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • Cold, clammy skin.
  • Decreased urine output.
  • Altered mental status (confusion, unconsciousness).

Management of Shock

  • IV Fluids: Normal saline, Ringer’s lactate for hypovolemia.
  • Blood Transfusion: If hemorrhagic shock is present.
  • Oxygen Therapy: To improve tissue oxygenation.
  • Vasopressors: To maintain blood pressure in septic or neurogenic shock.

4. Fluid & Electrolyte Balance in Surgery

Importance of Fluid & Electrolyte Balance

  • Maintains blood volume and tissue hydration.
  • Prevents organ dysfunction during surgery.
  • Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium) regulate nerve and muscle function.

Common Fluid & Electrolyte Disorders

  • Dehydration: Due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating.
  • Overhydration (Fluid Overload): Can cause pulmonary edema.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances:
    • Hyponatremia (low sodium): Causes confusion, seizures.
    • Hyperkalemia (high potassium): Leads to heart arrhythmias.
    • Hypokalemia (low potassium): Causes muscle weakness, cramps.

Management

  • IV Fluids:
    • Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) for dehydration.
    • Ringer’s lactate for surgery-related losses.
    • Dextrose solutions for energy support.
  • Electrolyte Correction:
    • Potassium chloride (KCl) for hypokalemia.
    • Sodium bicarbonate for acidosis.

5. Burns in Surgery

Definition

A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns require immediate and long-term surgical care.

Classification of Burns

  1. First-Degree Burns:
    • Affects only the outer skin (epidermis).
    • Causes redness, pain (e.g., sunburn).
  2. Second-Degree Burns:
    • Affects both epidermis and dermis.
    • Causes blisters, severe pain.
  3. Third-Degree Burns:
    • Destroys entire skin layers.
    • Painless (nerve damage), charred or white skin.
  4. Fourth-Degree Burns:
    • Extends to muscles, bones, and nerves.
    • Requires surgical intervention (e.g., skin grafting).

Burn Shock

  • Severe burns can lead to fluid loss, hypotension, and multi-organ failure.
  • Requires aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Rule of Nines for Burn Area Estimation

Used to estimate total body surface area (TBSA) affected:

  • Head and neck: 9%
  • Each arm: 9% (4.5% front, 4.5% back)
  • Each leg: 18% (9% front, 9% back)
  • Front of the torso: 18%
  • Back of the torso: 18%
  • Perineum (genital area): 1%

Management of Burns

  1. Initial First Aid:
    • Remove the source of burn.
    • Cool the area with sterile saline or cold water (not ice).
  2. Fluid Resuscitation (Parkland Formula):
    • Formula: 4 mL × body weight (kg) × TBSA (%) burned.
    • Half given in the first 8 hours, the rest over 16 hours.
  3. Pain Management:
    • IV opioids (morphine) for severe burns.
  4. Infection Control:
    • Silver sulfadiazine cream.
    • Antibiotics for infected burns.
  5. Surgical Management:
    • Debridement: Removal of dead tissue.
    • Skin Grafting: For deep burns.

Head, Neck, Alimentary, & Genitourinary Surgery

1. Head & Neck Surgery

Introduction

Head and neck surgery involves diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the skull, face, neck, throat, and associated structures. It is commonly performed for tumors, infections, trauma, congenital defects, and functional disorders.

Common Head & Neck Surgical Conditions

a) Head Injuries & Trauma
  • Skull fractures: Managed with surgery if there is brain compression or CSF leakage.
  • Facial fractures: Treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
  • Brain injuries (subdural/epidural hematoma): May require craniotomy.
b) Neck Masses & Tumors
  • Benign Masses: Lipomas, cysts, thyroid nodules.
  • Malignant Tumors:
    • Head and neck cancers (oral, laryngeal, pharyngeal cancer).
    • Thyroid and parathyroid cancers.
c) Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy: For thyroid tumors, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.
  • Parathyroidectomy: For hyperparathyroidism.
d) Salivary Gland Surgery
  • Sialoadenectomy: Removal of salivary glands for tumors or chronic infections.
  • Stone removal: In cases of salivary duct stones.
e) Tracheostomy
  • Performed for airway obstruction, prolonged ventilation, or trauma.
f) ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Surgery
  • Tonsillectomy: Removal of tonsils for chronic infections.
  • Adenoidectomy: Removal of adenoids for breathing difficulties.
  • Laryngectomy: Removal of the larynx for laryngeal cancer.
  • Rhinoplasty: Corrective nose surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons.

2. Alimentary System Surgery

Introduction

The alimentary system includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and rectum. Surgery of this system is performed for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, infections, obstructions, and perforations.

Common Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Conditions

a) Esophageal Surgery
  • Esophagectomy: Removal of the esophagus for cancer.
  • Esophageal dilation: For strictures or achalasia.
  • GERD surgery (Fundoplication): For severe acid reflux.
b) Stomach Surgery
  • Gastrectomy: Partial or total removal of the stomach for cancer or ulcers.
  • Pyloroplasty: To widen the opening of the stomach into the small intestine.
  • Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy).
c) Intestinal Surgery
  • Appendectomy: Removal of an inflamed appendix (appendicitis).
  • Resection for bowel obstruction: Removal of part of the intestine.
  • Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the colon (for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease).
  • Colostomy/Ileostomy: Creating an opening in the abdominal wall for waste removal.
d) Liver & Gallbladder Surgery
  • Liver resection: For tumors or liver disease.
  • Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder (gallstones, cholecystitis).
  • Liver transplant: For end-stage liver disease.
e) Pancreatic & Spleen Surgery
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): For pancreatic cancer.
  • Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen (trauma, splenic disorders).
f) Rectal & Anal Surgery
  • Hemorrhoidectomy: Removal of hemorrhoids.
  • Fistula repair: Closure of abnormal connections in the anal region.
  • Rectal cancer surgery: Resection of the affected part of the rectum.

3. Genitourinary System Surgery

Introduction

The genitourinary (GU) system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and reproductive organs. Surgery in this system addresses urinary tract disorders, kidney diseases, and reproductive organ conditions.

Common Genitourinary Surgical Conditions

a) Kidney Surgery
  • Nephrectomy: Removal of a kidney (cancer, trauma, kidney disease).
  • Kidney transplant: For end-stage renal failure.
  • Pyeloplasty: Surgical repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
  • Lithotripsy: Non-invasive procedure for kidney stones.
b) Ureter & Bladder Surgery
  • Ureteral stent placement: To relieve obstruction.
  • Cystectomy: Removal of the bladder (for bladder cancer).
  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
c) Prostate Surgery
  • Radical prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate for cancer.
  • TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): For enlarged prostate.
d) Male Reproductive Surgery
  • Orchiectomy: Removal of one or both testicles (testicular cancer).
  • Varicocelectomy: Surgery for varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum).
  • Vasectomy: Male sterilization procedure.
e) Female Reproductive Surgery
  • Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus (fibroids, cancer).
  • Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries.
  • C-section (Cesarean Section): Surgical delivery of a baby.
  • Tubal ligation: Female sterilization.

Neurosurgery: Brain, Spine, & Nerve Procedures

Introduction to Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a specialized branch of surgery that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system. It includes both emergency and elective procedures for trauma, tumors, vascular diseases, congenital anomalies, and degenerative conditions.

Common Conditions for Neurosurgery

1. Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Skull Fractures: May require surgery if there is brain damage or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage:
    • Epidural hematoma – Blood collection between the skull and dura mater.
    • Subdural hematoma – Bleeding under the dura mater, often from head trauma.
    • Intracerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding within the brain tissue.
  • Spinal Cord Injury: Can cause paralysis and requires decompression surgery if there is cord compression.

2. Brain Tumors

  • Benign Tumors: Meningiomas, pituitary adenomas.
  • Malignant Tumors: Glioblastoma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma.
  • Metastatic Tumors: Cancer spreading from other organs to the brain.
  • Surgical Treatment:
    • Craniotomy: Opening the skull to remove the tumor.
    • Stereotactic Surgery: Minimally invasive removal using 3D navigation.

3. Cerebrovascular Disorders

  • Stroke (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic): Neurosurgery may be needed for clot removal or bleeding control.
  • Aneurysms: Weak, ballooned areas of blood vessels that may rupture.
    • Surgical Clipping: Metal clip placed to prevent rupture.
    • Endovascular Coiling: Insertion of coils to block blood flow.
  • Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM): Abnormal blood vessel connections requiring surgical removal.

4. Spinal & Degenerative Disorders

  • Herniated Disc: Compression of spinal nerves causing pain or paralysis.
    • Discectomy: Removal of the herniated part of the disc.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve compression.
    • Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of the vertebrae to relieve pressure.
  • Scoliosis and Kyphosis: Abnormal spinal curvature requiring corrective surgery.

5. Congenital Disorders

  • Hydrocephalus: Excess CSF accumulation in the brain.
    • Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt: Drains excess fluid from the brain.
  • Spina Bifida: Birth defect where the spinal cord does not fully close.
    • Surgical closure may be needed after birth.

6. Functional & Peripheral Nerve Disorders

  • Epilepsy Surgery:
    • Temporal Lobectomy: Removal of seizure-causing brain tissue.
    • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Implanted device to reduce seizures.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe facial pain treated with nerve decompression.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, treated with nerve release surgery.

Types of Neurosurgical Procedures

1. Craniotomy

  • Definition: Opening the skull to access the brain.
  • Indications: Brain tumors, aneurysms, trauma.

2. Endoscopic Neurosurgery

  • Minimally invasive approach using small incisions and a camera.
  • Used for pituitary tumors, hydrocephalus, and skull base tumors.

3. Spinal Surgery

  • Laminectomy: Removal of vertebral bone to relieve spinal cord pressure.
  • Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

4. Stereotactic Radiosurgery

  • Non-invasive radiation therapy used for small tumors and AVMs.

Postoperative Care in Neurosurgery

  • Monitoring neurological function: Checking for weakness, speech, and consciousness changes.
  • Pain management: Use of opioids and non-opioid analgesics.
  • Rehabilitation: Physical and occupational therapy for recovery.
  • Prevention of complications: Preventing infections, blood clots, and seizures

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgical Procedures

Introduction

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery involves the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, lungs, esophagus, and chest wall. These procedures are performed to treat congenital defects, trauma, infections, tumors, and degenerative conditions of the heart and thorax.

1. Cardiovascular Surgery

Definition

Cardiovascular surgery involves surgical procedures on the heart and blood vessels to correct congenital and acquired cardiac diseases, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and aneurysms.

Common Cardiovascular Surgical Conditions

a) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Caused by: Blockage of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Uses a vein or artery to bypass blocked coronary arteries.
b) Valvular Heart Disease
  • Caused by: Rheumatic heart disease, congenital defects, infections.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Valve Repair: Corrects dysfunctional heart valves.
    • Valve Replacement: Uses prosthetic or biological valves.
c) Congenital Heart Defects
  • Examples: Atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), Tetralogy of Fallot.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Septal defect closure: Patching of holes in the heart.
    • Corrective surgery for complex congenital heart diseases.
d) Aortic Aneurysm & Dissection
  • Aortic aneurysm: Enlargement of the aorta that may rupture.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Aortic aneurysm repair: Replacement of the affected aortic segment with a graft.
e) Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
  • Caused by: Blockage of arteries in the limbs.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Bypass surgery or angioplasty to restore blood flow.
f) Cardiac Arrhythmias
  • Caused by: Electrical conduction abnormalities in the heart.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion for heart rhythm control.
    • Ablation therapy for arrhythmia treatment.

Types of Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures

  1. Open-Heart Surgery – The chest is opened, and the heart is directly operated on (e.g., CABG, valve replacement).
  2. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) – Small incisions and robotic assistance for reduced recovery time.
  3. Heart Transplantation – Performed for end-stage heart failure.

2. Thoracic Surgery

Definition

Thoracic surgery involves operations on the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, diaphragm, and chest wall. It is used to treat lung cancer, trauma, infections, and pleural diseases.

Common Thoracic Surgical Conditions

a) Lung Cancer
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Lobectomy: Removal of one lobe of the lung.
    • Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.
    • Segmentectomy: Removal of a lung segment (for smaller tumors).
b) Pleural Diseases
  • Conditions: Pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pleural tumors.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Thoracentesis: Drainage of fluid from the pleural cavity.
    • Pleurodesis: Prevents recurrent fluid accumulation in pleural effusion.
c) Esophageal Surgery
  • Conditions: Esophageal cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Esophagectomy: Removal of part or all of the esophagus.
    • Fundoplication: Wrapping the stomach around the esophagus to prevent acid reflux.
d) Chest Trauma Surgery
  • Conditions: Rib fractures, hemothorax, flail chest, lung injuries.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Thoracotomy: Open chest surgery for major injuries.
    • Chest tube insertion: To drain air or blood from the chest.
e) Diaphragmatic Surgery
  • Conditions: Diaphragmatic hernia, diaphragm paralysis.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Diaphragm repair and plication for hernias or paralysis.

Types of Thoracic Surgical Procedures

  1. Thoracotomy – Open chest surgery for lung, heart, or mediastinal conditions.
  2. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) – Minimally invasive lung and pleural surgery using a camera.
  3. Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) – Used for lung cancer and mediastinal tumors with precision.

Postoperative Care in Cardio & Thoracic Surgery

  • ICU Monitoring: Continuous observation for complications.
  • Pain Management: Opioids and regional anesthesia.
  • Respiratory Therapy: Incentive spirometry, oxygen therapy.
  • Rehabilitation: Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation for recovery.

Gynecology & Obstetrics: Surgical Interventions

Introduction

Gynecology and obstetrics are specialized branches of medicine and surgery that focus on the female reproductive system, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetrics deals with pregnancy and childbirth, while gynecology involves the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of reproductive health disorders.

1. Gynecological Surgery

Definition

Gynecological surgery involves surgical procedures on the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and external genitalia.

Common Gynecological Surgical Conditions

a) Uterine Disorders
  • Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Benign tumors in the uterus.
    • Surgical Treatment: Myomectomy (fibroid removal), hysterectomy (uterus removal).
  • Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
    • Surgical Treatment: Laparoscopic excision of endometrial implants.
  • Uterine Prolapse: Downward displacement of the uterus.
    • Surgical Treatment: Hysterectomy, pelvic floor repair.
b) Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Disorders
  • Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.
    • Surgical Treatment: Ovarian cystectomy (cyst removal), oophorectomy (ovary removal).
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Pregnancy outside the uterus (e.g., in fallopian tubes).
    • Surgical Treatment: Salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal), laparoscopic surgery.
c) Cervical & Vaginal Disorders
  • Cervical Cancer: Cancer of the cervix.
    • Surgical Treatment: Radical hysterectomy, cone biopsy, trachelectomy.
  • Vaginal Prolapse: Weakening of vaginal walls causing bulging.
    • Surgical Treatment: Vaginal wall repair.
d) Menstrual Disorders & AUB
  • Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
    • Surgical Treatment: Endometrial ablation, hysterectomy.

Types of Gynecological Surgical Procedures

  1. Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)

    • Total Hysterectomy: Entire uterus removed.
    • Subtotal Hysterectomy: Only the upper part of the uterus is removed.
    • Radical Hysterectomy: Uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina removed (for cancer).

  2. Laparoscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery – Keyhole Surgery)

    • Used for ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, tubal ligation.
    • Less pain, faster recovery.

  3. Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

    • Scraping the uterine lining for miscarriages, abnormal bleeding.

  4. Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy

    • Examines and takes a sample from the cervix to detect cancerous changes.

  5. Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery

    • Used to treat uterine prolapse, vaginal prolapse, and urinary incontinence.

2. Obstetric Surgery

Definition

Obstetric surgery involves surgical procedures related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum complications.

Common Obstetric Surgical Conditions

a) Cesarean Section (C-Section)
  • Definition: Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
  • Indications:
    • Fetal distress (oxygen deprivation).
    • Cephalopelvic disproportion (baby’s head too large for the birth canal).
    • Placenta previa (placenta blocking the cervix).
    • Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets).
b) Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery
  • Definition: Pregnancy outside the uterus (usually in fallopian tubes).
  • Surgical Treatment:
    • Salpingectomy: Removal of the affected fallopian tube.
    • Laparoscopic removal of ectopic pregnancy.
c) Obstetric Hemorrhage
  • Causes:
    • Placenta previa: Placenta covers the cervix.
    • Placental abruption: Premature separation of placenta.
    • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Heavy bleeding after childbirth.
  • Surgical Management:
    • Uterine artery ligation or hysterectomy for uncontrolled bleeding.
d) Cervical Cerclage
  • Definition: A surgical stitch is placed around the cervix to prevent preterm birth.
  • Indications: History of recurrent miscarriages or premature labor.
e) Perineal Tear & Episiotomy Repair
  • Perineal Tear: Natural tear during vaginal delivery.
  • Episiotomy: A surgical cut made in the perineum to prevent severe tearing.
  • Surgical Management: Suturing of perineal tear/episiotomy wound.

Types of Obstetric Surgical Procedures

  1. Cesarean Section (C-Section)

    • Elective C-Section: Planned in advance for safety.
    • Emergency C-Section: Done for urgent complications.

  2. Episiotomy and Perineal Repair

    • Done to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery.

  3. Manual Removal of Placenta

    • If placenta does not expel naturally after childbirth.

  4. Hysterectomy for Postpartum Hemorrhage

    • Removal of uterus in cases of life-threatening bleeding.

3. Postoperative Care in Gynecology & Obstetrics

  • Pain Management: Analgesics, epidural anesthesia.
  • Infection Prevention: Antibiotics, sterile wound care.
  • Blood Transfusion: For hemorrhagic conditions.
  • Early Ambulation: Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Nutritional Support: Iron, folic acid supplements post-surgery.

Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) Surgical Procedures

Introduction

ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) surgery focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. These procedures help treat congenital defects, infections, tumors, hearing loss, breathing difficulties, and sinus problems.

1. Ear Surgery (Otologic Surgery)

Common Ear Conditions for Surgery

a) Chronic Otitis Media
  • Caused by: Recurrent ear infections, perforation of the eardrum.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion: Small incision in the eardrum to drain fluid.
    • Tympanoplasty: Repair of perforated eardrum.
    • Mastoidectomy: Removal of infected mastoid bone.
b) Hearing Loss & Deafness
  • Caused by: Congenital defects, trauma, infections.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Cochlear Implant Surgery: Implantation of an electronic hearing device.
    • Stapedectomy: Removal of the stapes bone in otosclerosis.
c) Ear Tumors & Growths
  • Acoustic Neuroma: Benign tumor affecting hearing and balance.
  • Surgical Procedure: Microsurgical removal of the tumor.

2. Nose & Sinus Surgery (Rhinologic)

Common Nasal Conditions for Surgery

a) Nasal Obstruction & Deviated Septum
  • Caused by: Congenital defect, trauma, allergies.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Septoplasty: Correction of a deviated nasal septum.
b) Chronic Sinusitis & Nasal Polyps
  • Caused by: Long-term inflammation, infections, allergies.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): Minimally invasive surgery to open sinus passages.
    • Polypectomy: Removal of nasal polyps.
c) Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
  • Caused by: Hypertension, trauma, nasal dryness.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Nasal Cauterization: Sealing of blood vessels to stop bleeding.
    • Nasal Packing: Placing gauze or balloons inside the nose.
d) Nasal Fractures & Trauma
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Closed or Open Reduction: Realignment of fractured nasal bones.
e) Cosmetic & Reconstructive Nasal Surgery
  • Rhinoplasty: Corrects nasal deformities for cosmetic or functional reasons.

3. Throat & Larynx Surgery

Common Throat Conditions for Surgery

a) Tonsillitis & Adenoid Hypertrophy
  • Caused by: Recurrent infections, breathing obstruction.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Tonsillectomy: Removal of tonsils.
    • Adenoidectomy: Removal of adenoids in children.
b) Voice & Vocal Cord Disorders
  • Caused by: Polyps, nodules, laryngeal cancer.
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Microlaryngeal Surgery: Removal of vocal cord polyps or nodules.
    • Laryngectomy: Removal of the larynx (voice box) for cancer.
c) Airway Obstruction & Tracheostomy
  • Caused by: Tumors, infections, congenital defects.
  • Surgical Procedure:
    • Tracheostomy: Creating an artificial opening in the windpipe to assist breathing.
d) Throat & Neck Tumors
  • Laryngeal, pharyngeal, and thyroid tumors may require partial or total removal.

4. Head & Neck Surgery

Common Head & Neck Conditions for Surgery

a) Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy: Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
  • Parathyroidectomy: Removal of diseased parathyroid glands.
b) Salivary Gland Surgery
  • Surgical Procedures:
    • Sialoadenectomy: Removal of salivary glands due to tumors or chronic infections.
    • Salivary Stone Removal: For blocked ducts.
c) Head & Neck Tumors
  • Benign and malignant tumors require excision or reconstructive surgery.

5. Specialized ENT Surgical Procedures

  1. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): Used for sinus disease.
  2. Cochlear Implant Surgery: For severe hearing loss.
  3. Laser Surgery: Used for laryngeal lesions and tumors.
  4. Neck Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes for head and neck cancer.

6. Postoperative Care in ENT Surgery

  • Pain Management: Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Infection Control: Antibiotics, proper wound care.
  • Breathing Support: Oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care if needed.
  • Speech Therapy: Required after laryngeal or vocal cord surgery.