Definition of
Surgery is performed for the purpose of structurally altering the human
body by the incision or destruction of tissues and is part of the practice
of medicine. Surgery also is the diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of
conditions or disease processes by any instruments causing localized
alteration or transposition of live human tissue which include lasers,
ultrasound, ionizing radiation, scalpels, probes, and needles. The tissue
can be cut, burned, vaporized, frozen, sutured, probed, or manipulated by
closed reductions for major dislocations or fractures, or otherwise
altered by mechanical, thermal, light-based, electromagnetic, or chemical
means. Injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into body
cavities, internal organs, joints, sensory organs, and the central nervous
system also is considered to be surgery (this does not include the
administration by nursing personnel of some injections, subcutaneous,
intramuscular, and intravenous, when ordered by a physician). All of these
surgical procedures are invasive, including those that are performed with
lasers, and the risks of any surgical procedure are not eliminated by
using a light knife or laser in place of a metal knife, or scalpel.” (Res
B-12, A-08)
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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services