Surgical Specialties and Subspecialties
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Surgical Technology course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Abdominal Surgery #
Abdominal surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on organs within the abdominal cavity, such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and intestines. Surgeons specializing in abdominal surgery may perform procedures like appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and bowel resections.
Anesthesia #
Anesthesia is a medical treatment used to prevent patients from feeling pain during surgery. There are different types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and local anesthesia. Anesthesia providers, such as anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, are responsible for administering and monitoring anesthesia during surgical procedures.
Cardiothoracic Surgery #
Cardiothoracic surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs within the chest cavity. Surgeons specializing in cardiothoracic surgery may perform procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, and lung resections.
Colorectal Surgery #
Colorectal surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on surgical procedures involving the colon, rectum, and anus. Surgeons specializing in colorectal surgery may perform procedures like colectomies, hemorrhoidectomies, and anal fistula repairs.
Critical Care Surgery #
Critical care surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on the management of critically ill surgical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Critical care surgeons are trained to provide advanced life support, monitor vital signs, and manage complex medical conditions in critically ill patients.
Dermatologic Surgery #
Dermatologic surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders through surgical means. Dermatologic surgeons may perform procedures like excisions of skin lesions, Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, and laser surgery for cosmetic purposes.
Emergency Surgery #
Emergency surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on patients who require immediate medical intervention due to life-threatening conditions or severe injuries. Emergency surgeons are trained to make rapid decisions and perform urgent procedures to save patients' lives.
Endocrine Surgery #
Endocrine surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on surgical procedures involving the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Endocrine surgeons may perform procedures like thyroidectomies, parathyroidectomies, and adrenalectomies.
General Surgery #
General surgery is a broad surgical specialty that focuses on the management of a wide range of surgical conditions affecting various organs and systems in the body. General surgeons may perform procedures like appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removals.
Neurosurgery #
Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons may perform procedures like craniotomies, spinal fusions, and deep brain stimulation for movement disorders.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) #
Obstetrics and gynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on the management of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological conditions. Obstetricians and gynecologists may perform procedures like cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and laparoscopic tubal ligations.
Ophthalmology #
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists may perform procedures like cataract surgeries, LASIK procedures, and retinal detachments repairs.
Orthopedic Surgery #
Orthopedic surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons may perform procedures like joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic surgeries.
Otolaryngology (ENT Surgery) #
Otolaryngology, also known as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgery, is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck, including the ears, nose, throat, and related structures. Otolaryngologists may perform procedures like tonsillectomies, sinus surgeries, and thyroidectomies.
Pediatric Surgery #
Pediatric surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric surgeons may perform procedures like congenital defect repairs, appendectomies, and hernia repairs in pediatric patients.
Plastic Surgery #
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the reconstruction or enhancement of the physical appearance of the body. Plastic surgeons may perform procedures like breast augmentations, facelifts, and rhinoplasties.
Podiatric Surgery #
Podiatric surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Podiatric surgeons may perform procedures like bunionectomies, hammertoe corrections, and ankle fusions.
Reconstructive Surgery #
Reconstructive surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the restoration of bodily form and function following trauma, injury, or disease. Reconstructive surgeons may perform procedures like skin grafts, tissue flaps, and microsurgical reconstructions.
Thoracic Surgery #
Thoracic surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on surgical procedures involving the organs within the chest cavity, such as the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. Thoracic surgeons may perform procedures like lung resections, esophagectomies, and mediastinal tumor resections.
Urology #
Urology is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urologists may perform procedures like kidney stone removals, prostatectomies, and vasectomies.
Vascular Surgery #
Vascular surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including arteries and veins. Vascular surgeons may perform procedures like endovascular aneurysm repairs, carotid endarterectomies, and peripheral vascular bypass surgeries.