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Operations

Sometimes a patient in an intensive care unit needs an operation to assist their recovery. Because patients in an ICU are very ill, there may be lengthy discussions between doctors over treatment and when particular operations should be carried out. Doctors must discuss the purpose, risks and possible outcome of surgery with a patient's loved ones.

The doctors who perform operations are surgeons. There are different kinds of surgeons:

A general surgeon operates on most of the major organs;
An orthopaedic surgeon operates on bones, muscles and tendons;
A cardiac surgeon operates on the heart and chest;
A vascular surgeon operates on blood vessels;
A neurological surgeon operates on the brain and spinal cord.

During times of stress it is easy to forget things. You may Find it helpful to write down questions that you want to ask the doctors or nurses. It can be helpful to have someone with you to remind you what was said

content

Emergency admission
ICU and what to expect
Visiting an ICU
ICU equipment
staff in ICU
Operations
Drugs in ICU
Practicalities when visiting
Waiting for loved ones recovery
If a patient dies
Transfer of recovering patients
Long-term issues
Sources of help

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