Surgery

Also called: Operation

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Summary

There are many reasons to have surgery. Some operations can relieve or prevent pain. Others can reduce a symptom of a problem or improve some body function. Some surgeries are done to find a problem. For example, a surgeon may do a biopsy, which involves removing a piece of tissue to examine under a microscope. Some surgeries, like heart surgery, can save your life.

Some operations that once needed large incisions (cuts in the body) can now be done using much smaller cuts. This is called laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons insert a thin tube with a camera to see, and use small tools to do the surgery.

After surgery there can be a risk of complications, including infection, too much bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or accidental injury. There is almost always some pain with surgery.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Start Here

Guide to Surgical Specialists (American College of Surgeons)
Surgery (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish

Specifics

Cryotherapy (American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
Facing Major Surgery in the COVID-19 Era (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) - PDF
Laparoscopic Surgery - What Is It? (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) Also in Spanish
Speak Up: Help Avoid Mistakes in Your Surgery (Joint Commission) - PDF Also in Spanish
What Is a Ventilator? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)