Essay 4- Basics of surgical treatment- organisation and planning. Surgical instruments- types. Surgical sutures and bandages. Operation greens

what to cover in this essay

• types of surgery, categorised by …

• classifications of surgery based on…

• planning of surgical treatment

• surgical instruments

  • types

  • classifications

• surgical sutures

  • classified

  • pros and cons

• bandages

  • types

  • Methods of applications

• operation greens

Surgery is categorized by:

• Urgency

• Type of procedure

• Body system involved

• Degree of invasiveness

• Special instrumentation

Classification

based on:

• timing

• purpose

• invasivness

• equipment used

• body part

• procedure type

Based on timing

• Elective: non-life-threatening, planned at patient’s convenience

• Emergency: immediate, life-saving

• Semi-elective: can be postponed but needed to avoid disability/death

Based on purpose:

• Exploratory: diagnostic aid

• Therapeutic: treats confirmed condition

Based on invasiveness:

• Minimally invasive: small incisions (laparoscopic, endoscopic)

• Open surgery: large incision, full access

• Based on equipment:

• • Laser: precise cuts with laser beam

  • Microsurgery: high-magnification microscope

  • Robotic: robotic arms controlled by surgeon

Based on procedure type

• Amputation: removal of body part

• Resection: removal of part/all of an organ

• Replantation: reattachment of severed part

• Reconstructive: restores body part

• Cosmetic: improves appearance

• Excision: cutting out tissue or organ

• Transplant: organ/tissue replacement

• Explant: removal of transplant material

Planning of Surgical Treatment

what do you do?

• Before planning:

  • Confirm patient is fit for surgery

• Planning involves:

  • Reviewing diagnosis and history

  • Deciding on operation type

  • Assessing anesthesia needs (ASA system)

  • Performing pre-op investigations

  • Evaluating and minimising risks

  • Preparing operation logistics

  • Anticipating outcomes and post-op care

Surgical Instruments

definition and types

Definition: Tools used to perform specific actions during surgery

Types:

• Single-use (disposable)

• Multiple-use (reusable)

Classification of instruments

(uses)

• Cutting & Dissecting: scalpels, scissors, saws

  • to incise

  • excise

  • separate tissue
    

• Grasping, Clamping, Occluding: forceps, clamps, needle holders

  • to hold

  • manipulate

  • hold tissue or surgical materials or other tools

• Hemostatic: hemostatic clamps, argon beam coagulators

  • to control bleeding

• Retracting & Exposing: retractors, hooks

  • hold back tissues

  • expose the surgical field

• Wound-closing: staplers, clips, adhesive strips

  • to close surgical incisions or wounds

• Specialised instruments: probe, sucker system

  • not routinely used during all surgical interventions

  • e.g. Microsurgical instruments – For eye, nerve, or vascular surgeries.

Stef’s Classification

• Cutting

• Hemostatic

• Suturing

• Retracting

• Specialized

name the classifications of sutures

• based on raw materials

  • natural

  • synthetic

• based on structure

  • monofilament

  • multifilament

• based on absorbability

  • absorbable

  • non- absorbable

Surgical Sutures classifications

explain

pros and cons

• Based on raw material:

  • Natural:

    • ✔cheap, easy to handle,

    • 🔴 high tissue reaction

  • Synthetic:

    • ✔ low reaction

    • 🔴 harder to handle

• Based on structure:

  • Monofilament:

    • ✔ smooth, less trauma, low infection risk

    • 🔴 poor knotting

  • Multifilament:

    • ✔ strong, flexible, easy handling

    • 🔴 Higher infection risk, tumour cell invasion, rough surface tissue

• Based on absorbability:

  • Absorbable:

    • ✔ broken down by body, no remnants

    • 🔴 longer healing

  • Non-absorbable:

    • ✔Durable and strong; good for long-term support.

    • 🔴 may require removal or can be rejected by the body.

what is the most ideal suture material

no perfect suture material

• choice depends on balancing pros and cons

depends on:

• tissue type

• infection risk

• healing time

• healing properties

If infection risk is high → choose monofilament.
If handling is key → choose coated multifilament.

Bandages

what 3 things to cover?

• purpose

• types

• methods of application

purpose of bandages

• To support, protect, or restrict movement of a body part.

• Also used to:

  • Secure dressings

  • Apply pressure

  • Immobilize joints

  • Aid in healing and swelling control

Types of Bandages:

Types:

• Triangular: versatile

  • used for slings, head wraps and hand injuries

  • good for emergency or first aid

• Gauze/Cotton: for fingers, ears, eyes, head

  • soft and breathable

  • for delicate areas

• Elastic roller

  • compression and support

  • for sprains or varicose veins

• Crape: stretchable woven gauze

  • firm yet flexible support

  • for joints and muscles

• Self-adhering

  • sticks to itself and not skin or hair

  • good for quick wrapping

  • use for children

• Adhesive: holds dressings, applies pressure

  • sticky surface

  • can apply mild pressure

  • common in first aid

names of the methods of bandage applications

• circular

• simple spiral

• reverse spiral

• figure of eight

• spica bandage

Methods of Application: explain them

1. Circular

• Used on small cylindrical parts (like fingers or toes).

• Each turn completely overlaps the previous one.

2. Simple Spiral

• Each turn partially overlaps the previous (about ⅔).

• Used on uniform limbs like the forearm.

3. Reverse Spiral

• Incorporates a fold in each turn to fit curves better.

• Ideal for non-uniform limbs (like the calf or thigh).

4. Figure of Eight

• Wraps in a criss-cross (8-shape) around joints (e.g., wrist, ankle).

• Offers strong support and flexibility.

5. Spica Bandage

• A specialised figure-of-eight wrap.

• Used for large joints like:

  • Shoulder spica

  • Hip/groin spica

  • but also the thumb

• Provides extra stability and coverage.

• firm and stabilising

Operation Greens

• using green (or sometimes blue) colors in surgical settings

• scrubs, drapes, gowns, and walls

Red and Green are on the opposite side of the colour wheel

• you can easily distinguish the colour of blood when it appears during the operation.