A nurse is reviewing the types of surgery with a group of nursing students. The nurse explains that a surgical procedure that is done to restore function to a body part is called:

Choice A reason:.

Emergency surgery is not the correct answer because this type of surgery is done for an urgent medical condition that may be life threatening, such as acute appendicitis or trauma. Rectal polyps are not an immediate threat to life, limb or organ survival.

Choice B reason:.

Urgent surgery is not the correct answer because this type of surgery is done for a condition that requires intervention within hours of decision to operate, such as debridement of fracture or laparotomy for perforation. Rectal polyps do not require such a rapid intervention.

Choice C reason:.

Elective surgery is the correct answer because this type of surgery is planned or booked in advance of routine admission to hospital. It may be done for a better quality of life or for a serious condition such as cancer, but not for a life-threatening condition. Rectal polyps fall under this category as they can be scheduled in advance and may be precancerous or cancerous.

Choice D reason:.

Optional surgery is not the correct answer because this term is not commonly used to classify surgery by degree of urgency. It may imply that the surgery is not medically necessary, but rather a personal preference, such as cosmetic surgery. Rectal polyps are not optional as they may cause symptoms or complications if left untreated.

Choice E reason:.

Routine surgery is not the correct answer because this term is also not commonly used to classify surgery by degree of urgency. It may imply that the surgery is done frequently or regularly, such as cataract surgery or tonsillectomy. Rectal polyps are not routine as they vary in size, number and location.

Choice A reason:.

Ablative surgery is a type of surgery that removes a diseased or abnormal body part, such as a tumor, an appendix, or a tonsil. It does not restore function to a body part, but rather eliminates the source of a problem.

Choice B reason:.

Diagnostic surgery is a type of surgery that is done to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, such as a biopsy, an endoscopy, or a laparoscopy. It does not restore function to a body part, but rather provides information for further treatment.

Choice C reason:.

Palliative surgery is a type of surgery that is done to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life, such as a colostomy, a shunt, or a nerve block. It does not restore function to a body part, but rather reduces pain or discomfort.

Choice D reason:.

Reconstructive surgery is a type of surgery that is done to restore function to a body part that has been damaged by trauma, disease, or congenital defect, such as a skin graft, a breast reconstruction, or a cleft lip repair. This is the correct answer because it matches the definition given by the nurse.