Question to Ponder

[peleroja]

Is it still considered surgery if no scalpel is involved?

Five years ago when I had my permacath removed, the guy cut me about an inch, pull, tug, pull tug, and the catheter was out, and I required sutures.

I just had my second permacath removed and all it involved was lidocaine, pull, tug, pull, tug, and boom, it was out.  No cutting, no scar.

So, if that is surgery," then I have now had 8 surgeries since 11/24/08.  If not, still the same old 7!

Inquiring minds want to know.

[paul.karen]

I have to say yes??

I saw on TV the other day virtual surgery.  I was heading out so i dont have all the facts but from what i heard it is invasive surgery without incisions period?

Bet you feel much better with that out of your body.

[Restorer]

On all official papers I've seen, all three of my percutaneous biopsies, as well as the inserting of my femoral catheter, were all called surgeries, even though the only involved needles.

[MiSSis]

I'm sure technically such procedures are considered surgery but I know that when I'm asked to list all of my surgeries I mark down only what I consider to be the "biggies"... my 2 transplants, 4 parathyroidectomies, open heart bypass, gall bladder removal and all of my heart attacks, angioplasties and stent placements.  I actually keep two medical history lists on my computer.  One contains everything, including when I received my flu shots, pneumonia vaccine, tetanus shot, any special testing like echocardiograms, chest x-rays, date of my last period (that one always amazes me that someone wants to know that!), mammograms, etc.  I've found that somewhere along the line, depending upon what type of doctor I'm visiting, each will want some tidbit of information that I won't be able to remember on my own.  And my 2nd list is for what I consider the more major stuff, like I mentioned above.  It's been so helpful to me to have these lists because as I get older and my lists continue to grow, my memory is fading too! 

Usually new doctors are so overwhelmed or impressed (I'm not sure which!) with the little list, they don't ask about the other, but I always have it available it I need it.