> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme/authoring/domain-specific-modeling/procedure/index-2/index-2/surgical-repair.md).

# Surgical repair

The definition of *surgical repair* is restoring, to the extent possible, an anatomical structure, using a surgical action. *Repair* is an objective or intended accomplishment, not a means (e.g., suturing, transplanting, etc.) nor a need (e.g., normal functioning, cosmetic appearance, pain relief, etc.).

Surgery that restores structure is usually intended to restore function and appearance. Restoring function, however, is not necessary for a procedure to be considered a repair. It is also possible for surgery to restore function without restoring structure (e.g., surgery to attach a prosthetic limb after amputation). This type of surgery would not be strictly categorized as a repair.

The *Method* (attribute) is used to model both the objective of a procedure and the means used to accomplish it. If a procedure requires both a repair action and another type of action, then two relationship groups should be used.

### Fistula <a href="#fistula" id="fistula"></a>

*Closure* action is a kind of *repair* actio&#x6E;*.* All fistula closures use the *closure* action and are classified as kinds of repair procedures.

* For example,
  * 79433000 |Closure of colon fistula (procedure)| has Method (attribute), Closure - action (qualifier value) with a parent, Repair of colon (procedure)

### Plastic repair <a href="#plastic-repair" id="plastic-repair"></a>

Surgery that accomplishes a *repair* (a structural restoration) often uses the suffix *-plasty*. The term *plastic repair* is also used. In order to avoid redundancy, the following terms are use&#x64;*:*

* *Prosthetic repair*, using external (non-body) materials
* *Plastic repair,* reshaping the body

{% hint style="info" %}
**-plasty**

The suffix *-plasty* is widely used in concepts that apply to prosthetic repairs (e.g. total hip arthroplasty). So -*plasty* may refer to any general repair (prosthetic, plastic, or other) and not just plastic repairs.
{% endhint %}

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