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Based on descriptions of discovered
Egyptian papyri, surgeries were performed by the ancient
Egyptians. The tools they used for surgery included knives,
drills, saws, hooks, forceps, and pinchers. Some of these
tools, somewhat modified, are still used for surgical
purposes today. |
In contrast with the role played by surgery in the past,
surgery is more important now than ever. Surgical technology
and techniques are so advanced that surgery is able to accomplish
what ancient surgeons never dreamed of. Surgery is used for
a great variety of diseases, including cancer treatment. In
fact, it is the oldest form of treatment for cancer and until
the mid 20th century, surgery was considered the only treatment
modality that could cure patients with cancer.
Cancer surgery attempts to completely remove localized tumors
or reduce the size of large tumors so that follow-up treatment
by radiation or chemotherapy will be more effective.
Other than its curative purpose, cancer surgery may be done
as a diagnostic (staging)
process or a preventive measure. Surgeries are also performed
to relieve pain or repair deformities and abnormalities caused
by surgical treatment for cancer.
Sometimes, surgeries for different purposes may take place
simultaneously. For example, curative surgery may be performed
right after a diagnostic surgery or a curative surgery may
be followed by a reconstructive surgery.
Generally surgery involves cutting into the body (incision)
to explore or remove tissue while the patient is under anesthesia.
Surgical techniques used for surgery include cryosurgery,
electrocauterization surgery, laser surgery, gamma knife,
and en bloc resection. These techniques will be discussed
in detail later.
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