What is emergency surgery?
Emergency surgery is performed on patients who require immediate assessment and action to save the patient’s life or the function of some part of their body.
These surgeries are not scheduled and require a quick diagnosis and intervention to avoid further complications in the patient.
Why is it performed?
This surgery is performed on patients who present injuries due to accidents or serious pathologies that may put their life or some important function of their body at risk.
Some of the most common surgical emergencies are:
- Acute appendicitis
- Acute cholecystitis
- Abdominal wall hernia
- Colon perforation
- Intestinal obstruction
- Perforated gastroduodenal ulcer
- Abdominal trauma
- Proctologic surgeries: abscesses, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, etc.
Laparoscopic surgery offers multiple advantages in urgent cases.
What does it consist of?
Many emergency surgery procedures can be performed laparoscopically. This surgery is very useful in cases where there is no clear diagnosis, since the laparoscopic approach can detect the origin of the pathology and, frequently, treat it with laparoscopic surgery without making large incisions.
When emergency surgery is required, the great advantages of laparoscopic surgery are appreciated, including faster recovery, less pain, fewer wound infections, etc.
Preparation for emergency surgery
When a patient requires emergency surgery there is practically no preparation. This surgery has no schedule, when a patient arrives, depending on its severity is stabilized and passes immediately to be treated in the operating room.
It is vital that the specialist makes a quick and accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary interventions. It is also essential to be able to start the intervention as soon as possible, otherwise there is a risk of serious complications or even the likelihood of death.
Care after surgery
Before the patient is discharged, the surgeon will explain the possible side effects that may result from the surgery. These effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness of the wounds
- Fever
- Outpouring of purulent fluid
- Severe pain
Once discharged, the operated patient will need a more or less prolonged period of time for recovery at home, which will vary according to their individual characteristics, the pathology treated and the surgery performed.
Alternatives to this treatment
When a patient requires emergency surgery there is no alternative. This is because his pathology or injury is serious and he needs to undergo surgery to avoid further complications and even save his life.