Era of modern surgery

The era of modern surgery began in the nineteenth century with
the introduction of anesthesia (techniques to lessen pain), antiseptic methods,
and sterilization of instruments. The discovery of the X ray in 1895
gave surgeons an invaluable diagnostic tool. X rays are a form of radiation
that can penetrate solids and are used to generate images of bones
and other tissues. Diagnoses using X rays were followed by diagnoses
using ultrasound, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning, and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Surgery advances in the twentieth century include techniques for
performing blood transfusions, brain and heart operations (such as bypass
surgery and valve replacement), organ transplantation, microsurgery, and
laser surgery. Microsurgery allows surgeons to perform precise, delicate
operations on various body structures while viewing the surgical area
through a microscope. Lasers, high-intensity beams of light focused at
targeted tissues, are used to treat eye disorders, break up kidney stones
and tumors, and remove birthmarks, wrinkles, and spider veins.

Some types of surgery that previously required extensive cutting
through body tissue can now be accomplished using less invasive techniques.
Endoscopic surgery is a method of operating on internal body
structures, such as knee joints or reproductive organs, by passing an instrument
called an endoscope through a body opening or tiny incision.
Tiny surgical instruments and a miniature video camera, allowing viewing
of the area to be operated on, are attached to the endoscope.