What is the difference between a major and minor operation?

[JonnyBoy12]

Sorry if this question has been answered before but this has been bugging me for some time. Can anyone here tell me what the difference between a major and a minor operation is? A friend of mine has got a minor operation coming up but still has to stay overnight. What is involved in a major operation?

Thanks in advance for any kind and helpful replies.

[ruthandsam]

I haven't a clue but I'm wondering if it has something to do with what type of anaesthetic is used?

[jd_here]

All operations are major to those who are having them, minor ones are the very routine ones to the surgeons carrying them out

[Philtaz]

Where I work the general classification is any opening of the abdomen (laparotomy), chest or removal/exteriorisation of bowel, removal of organ or joint replacement is classed as a 'major'.

A 'minor' is one that does not generally require an overnight stay, provided the patient has passed water (usually where abdomen/bowel operations are involved).

Each hospital or indeed surgeon may well have their own criteria regarding each operation, though.

Any idea what operation your friend is undergoing?

[Philtaz]

That's right EDDIE51.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal by keyhole surgery) is now routinely a day-case procedure where I work, as is laparoscopic hernia repair, provided the patient passes urine prior to discharge to home, but each hospital/consultant have their own criteria.

[Sqad]

Major and minor descriptions of operations are purely arbitrary and mainly are to do with BUPA and other Private Insurance companies as to how much to pay the surgeon.

They are basically meaningless terms and have little to do with anaesthesia but more to do with the complexity of the operation and the expertise of the surgeon.

A minor operation can easily turn into a major operation.

[emmie]

as can gall bladder removal, not always a day case, perhaps i was unlucky, almost two weeks in hospital, it was incredibly painful, and a long time recupperating, even with keyhole surgery.

[boxtops]

I would define "minor surgery" as the sort of procedures which GPs in England are now permitted to undertake in the surgery - i.e. warts, some moles, joint injections, toenails etc. There's a useful list here http://www.patient.co...Minor-Surgery-DES.htm

[Sqad]

em 10....exactly.....!

[emmie]

didn't help i caught an infection whilst in hospital, otherwise it might have been only a week?

[Sqad]

boxtops....mmmmm!....never been one for Governmental directives.....I would rather rely on experience.

Would you let a doctor with minimal experience, no post graduate surgical training with doubtful surgical expertise....operate o you or tour loved ones....even minor procedures?.....I wouldn't.

[boxtops]

You can't just do it, sqad, you (and your assistants) have to undergo training, then jump several hurdles regarding evidence of training, suitability of premises, etc., before the practice can enter into an Enhanced service and get paid for these procedures. Some are undertaking vasectomies...

[Sqad]

boxy

<<< undergo training, then jump several hurdles regarding evidence of training, suitability of premises,>>>

What training?

Who supervises them?

What hurdles?

Not convinced.