Care of Client During Preoperative Period

2. Classification of Surgery

Classification of Surgery

There are different types of surgery and surgeries can be classified according to surgical urgency. The terms used by National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) to classify the types of surgery were Emergency, Urgent, Scheduled and Elective.

Two Main Classification of Surgery  
  • Invasive procedure
  • A body cavity/ compartment is entered
  • Peritoneal/ thoracic/ cranial cavity or muscles compartments to do orthopedic surgery

Examples of major surgery include cardiac operations, any bowel cavity operations, reconstructive surgery, deep tissue procedures, any transplant procedures, as well as any surgeries in the abdomen, chest or cranium.

Minor surgery done in minor OT or Clinic under local anaesthesia. Minor surgeries are generally superficial and do not require penetration of a body cavity

Classification According to Purpose  

  • Diagnostic
  • Curative
  • Palliative
  • Reconstructive
  • Preventive
  • Exploratory
  • Cosmetic