Editor: What To Know
- An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to treat appendicitis, a condition that causes an acute inflammation of the appendix.
- This surgery is used to treat the build-up of plaque that reduces blood flow to the heart muscles in patients that have coronary artery disease.
- Depending on the type of break, location, and severity, a patient might need to undergo surgery to recover from a broken bone.
Whether you are trying to learn more about a surgery you are planning to have or find out what the most common procedures are, this list is here for you.
- Appendectomy
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to treat appendicitis, a condition that causes an acute inflammation of the appendix. It is believed that about 1 in 20 people will get appendicitis at some point in their lives, although about 40% of people will not suffer painful symptoms. If symptoms are too painful, you will have an appendectomy to remove your appendix.
- Breast Biopsy
This is a diagnostic test that involves removing breast tissue or cells with the use of a microscope. The purpose of this test is both for examination and treatment of a lump in the breast tissue.
- Carotid Endarterectomy
This surgery is used to remove blockages that occur in arteries located in the neck. These arteries are responsible for supplying the blood to the brain. If this surgery is not performed, then a patient runs the risk of suffering a stroke.
- Cataract Surgery
Every year about three million people undergo cataract surgery in the United States alone. This surgery is used to remove a cataract in the eye that causes obscured, blurred or clouded vision. Expert cataract surgeons will then replace the natural lens with a prosthetic replacement.
- Caesarean Section
More commonly known as a C-Section, these are planned or unplanned surgeries that are used to ensure the safety of a mother and baby during childbirth. It is believed that c-sections make up just over 30% of all births.
- Joint Replacement
More than one million Americans have joint replacement surgery each year. The most common type of joint replacement surgery is knee replacements, followed by hip replacements. Doctors will also perform these surgeries on other joints like the shoulder or ankle.
- Broken Bone Related Surgeries
Depending on the type of break, location, and severity, a patient might need to undergo surgery to recover from a broken bone. During the surgery a doctor might implant metal plates, screws, and rods to help keep a bone in place as it heals.
- Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder is a small organ located just under the liver; it stores the fluid known as bile used in digestion. Gallbladder removal is usually a result of the development of gallstones. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can block the flow of liquid out of the gallbladder to other organs.
- Heart Bypass Surgery
The most commonly performed type of heart bypass surgery is a coronary artery bypass graft. This surgery is used to treat the build-up of plaque that reduces blood flow to the heart muscles in patients that have coronary artery disease. When this surgery has not been performed, the build-up of plaque can cause a heart attack. This operation involves a doctor connecting a healthy artery to the blocked artery, allowing for fluid flow.
