It’s been a while since we’ve heard from The Patriot Nurse. Today she discusses whether surgery in a SHTF scenario is possible or simply a fantasy. In my opinion, for most of us “normal people” it’s just not in the realm of possibility. Anyway, she brings up some good points about the topic so if you’re thinking about purchasing major surgical kits then maybe you should reconsider it. Prepare for what’s realistic as best as you can and leave the surgery to the professionals. 
[Note: This video was not made by the editor of RTS.]
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Of course, Patriot Nurse forgot more about medical issues that I’ll ever know. Although I agree with her that we should focus on our personal requirements, I don’t see the purchase of surgical kits as a bad idea for TEOTWAWKI. I don’t advocate a novice attempting complicated surgery, either. But, the small surgical kits that we bought for our medical stocks include surgical blades, tweezers, forceps, needles and sutures. I am confident that I could lance a boil to prevent spread of infection. I believe that I can find an inflamed appendix, too. I would NOT attempt any risky medical procedure, unless I had NO choice. You may befriend or encounter a real surgeon at some point after SHTF. He or she may not have been a prepper and lack medical tools and supplies. Your tools and his or her skills could save lives in your community. Again, I do not advice that untrained personnel attempt complicated medical procedures. I merely subscribe to the theory “It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it”. (I mainly use this when referring to guns).
I’ve had the exact same train of thought as you and even have my own small surgical kit even though I’m not the person that should be wielding it (fortunately, my wife is a former nurse and current midwife). I do also subscribe to the philosophy of “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” The choice is always tough: buy the equipment with not expectation or intention of using it or focus that money on stuff you can use. I do think she makes some very valid points of successful surgery in a post-shtf world being highly unlikely.
Spot on , Too many things can go wrong . The mortality rate post SHTF would most likely soar . Surgens will be a rare commodity , surgery trained veterinarians would be just as valuable …….anatomy is different , but general methods are the same , and would be better than no training at all . . I would guess we would see a return of quick amputations for severe injuries , rather than any attempt of repair . Think civil war period……saws , and cauterization tools ……and pray for anesthetic or being knocked out before hand .