# Surgical Change

> Keep edits tightly scoped to the request. Use when changing existing code so the diff stays traceable to the task.

- Skill: `contextgo/surgical-change` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add contextgo/surgical-change`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/contextgo/surgical-change/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: contextgo (https://skillmd.com/u/contextgo)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/contextgo/surgical-change

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# Surgical Change

Every changed line should trace directly to the current request.

## Rules

- Edit only the files and code paths needed for the task.
- Do not reformat, rename, or refactor adjacent code just because you noticed it.
- Clean up only the imports, variables, or branches that your current change made obsolete.
- If you find unrelated dead code or design debt, note it instead of deleting it.

## Final Check

- Would this diff be easier to review if it were smaller?
- Is any file changed only because it was nearby?
- Did I change behavior outside the requested path?