Types of Surgery
What is surgical diagnosis?
As part of your diagnosis, you and your healthcare provider may discuss surgery as
a way to correct your condition. This decision is based on looking carefully at your
health history. It is also based on the results of tests you have. These include blood
tests, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram. Other lab tests may
also be done to make a diagnosis.
What are the different types of surgery?
Two broad types of surgery exist, depending on your diagnosis.
Elective surgery
An elective surgery doesn't always mean it's optional. It means that the surgery isn't
an emergency and can be scheduled in advance. It may be a surgery you choose to have
for a better quality of life, but not for a life-threatening condition. But in some
cases, it may be for a serious condition, such as cancer. Examples of elective surgery
include removing a mole or wart and having kidney stones removed. It may also be done
if other forms of treatment aren't working.
Urgent or emergency surgery
This type of surgery is done because of an urgent medical condition that needs attention
right away. The condition may even be life-threatening. Examples are acute appendicitis
and trauma.