There are many common medical procedures that physicians and surgeons may perform for an individual. These may include anything from major, life-saving surgery for illnesses or to repair damage from injuries, to small, in-office operations for the removal of moles or hair. These surgeries are typically categorized as invasive or non-invasive, meaning procedures that require or do not require actual cutting into the internal parts of the body.
Fracture Repair
Certain medical procedures are designed to repair fractures and help bones grow back normally after they break. For example, a break in one of the metatarsals---the five bones that make up the part of the foot that includes the five toes---may be repaired by placing a connective piece of plastic or steel in the bone. This helps the bone grow back together straight to avoid further foot trouble such as pain and limping. Other bones can be repaired through similar procedures.
Appendectomy
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ hanging off the large intestines. As of 2010, medical professionals do not know why the organ is there, as it has no known bodily function. If it becomes inflamed, it must be removed, preferably before it ruptures. The medical procedure involved is called an appendectomy; it involves making a small incision on the right side of the body to remove the inflamed appendix.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsils are small glands inside the mouth that are part of the lymphatic system and help to fight infection. While today doctors try to reduce any infections that may affect the tonsils with antibiotics, many children used to have their tonsils removed via tonsillectomy when there was a problem. The procedure is still performed today, but only when antibiotics are not as effective as desired. The National Institutes of Health report that tonsillectomies are also still performed on people who have frequent infections in the tonsils. These types of infections may cause shortness of breath and other problems.
Blood Transfusion
While a blood transfusion itself is not an operation, it is used during many other medical procedures. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical center, it is by far the most common form of medical procedure. Blood transfusions are performed by placing an intravenous needle into a vein, then providing compatible blood donated from another person. Blood transfusions may be used during surgery, or to replace blood lost through injuries and illnesses.
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