https://paulnystrom.com/tags/procedure/Recent content in Procedure on Paul NystromHugoen-usSun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://paulnystrom.com/posts/procedure-vs.-surgery/Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://paulnystrom.com/posts/procedure-vs.-surgery/<p>These are not the same thing, although they are often confused. Generally speaking, surgery involves cutting into the body to repair, remove, or readjust tissue or organs. A procedure, on the other hand, can involve looking into the body but usually does not involve making a new incision. Any intervention is most often carried out through a naturally occurring orifice.</p> <p>Appendectomy, cholecystectomy, craniotomy, and total hip/knee arthroplasty are all examples of surgeries. Surgeries are performed under sterile conditions in the operating room. They usually involve general anesthesia, which includes placing a breathing tube in the trachea.</p>https://paulnystrom.com/posts/eating-in-the-er/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://paulnystrom.com/posts/eating-in-the-er/<p>When you arrive at the ER, it’s standard practice to prohibit eating or drinking until a doctor has evaluated you. This rule likely exists because sedation for a procedure or surgery is considered higher risk if you have a full stomach. However, this policy is not always practical, as the vast majority of ER patients do not require acute surgery, procedures, or sedation. It’s reasonable to ask the nurse checking you in if you can have something to eat or drink. Their answer will likely be no, but it’s also reasonable to politely ask if they can consult the doctor rather than provide a blanket response. Depending on whom you’re speaking with, this request may meet resistance. There may be reluctance to allow eating or drinking because, at the start of your visit, the only information available is your vitals and a triage note from the nurse.</p>