Which statement correctly defines a major surgical procedure?

Which statement correctly defines a major surgical procedure?

• A. Minor procedure
• B. Non-invasive
• C. Penetrates a body cavity or involves extensive tissue dissection
• D. Performed under local anesthesia

Answer: (C)

A major surgical procedure is defined by its invasiveness: it penetrates a body cavity or involves extensive tissue dissection, making it more invasive and higher risk than procedures that are minor or non-invasive. This level of invasion typically comes with greater complexity, longer recovery, and more significant anesthesia considerations, which is why penetration of a body cavity or extensive dissection best characterizes major surgery. The other descriptions don’t fit as well: a minor procedure is limited in scope and risk, non-invasive means no entry into the body, and being performed under local anesthesia is not what defines a major operation (major surgeries can require general or regional anesthesia).

A major surgical procedure is defined by its invasiveness: it penetrates a body cavity or involves extensive tissue dissection, making it more invasive and higher risk than procedures that are minor or non-invasive. This level of invasion typically comes with greater complexity, longer recovery, and more significant anesthesia considerations, which is why penetration of a body cavity or extensive dissection best characterizes major surgery.

The other descriptions don’t fit as well: a minor procedure is limited in scope and risk, non-invasive means no entry into the body, and being performed under local anesthesia is not what defines a major operation (major surgeries can require general or regional anesthesia).