Common Surgical Procedures (2024)

Some of the most common surgical operations done in the United States include the following:

  • Appendectomy. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat acute appendicitis. Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of this tube due to infection.

  • Breast biopsy. A biopsy is a diagnostic test involving the removal of tissue or cells for examination under a microscope. This procedure is also used to remove abnormal breast tissue. A biopsy may be done using a hollow needle to extract tissue (needle biopsy), or a lump may be partially or completely removed (lumpectomy) for examination and/or treatment.

  • Carotid endarterectomy. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove blockage from carotid arteries, the arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Left untreated, a blocked carotid artery can lead to a stroke.

  • Cataract surgery. Cataracts cloud the normally clear lens of the eyes. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens, whichisreplaced with a clear artificial lens implant.

  • Cesarean section(also called a c-section). Cesarean section is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is done whendoctors determine it a safer alternative than a vagin*l delivery for the mother, baby, or both.

  • Cholecystectomy. A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder (a pear-shaped sac near the right lobe of the liver that holds bile). A gallbladder may need to be removed if the organ is prone to troublesome gallstones, if it is infected, or becomes cancerous.

  • Coronary artery bypass. Most commonly referred to as simply "bypass surgery," this surgery is often done in people who have angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease (where plaque has built up in the arteries). During the surgery, a bypass is created by grafting a piece of a vein above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery, enabling blood to flow around the obstruction. Veins are usually taken from the leg, but arteries from the chest may also be used to create a bypass graft.

  • Debridement of wound, burn, or infection. Debridement involves the surgical removal of foreign material and/or dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound or burn. By removing the diseased or dead tissue, healthy tissue is exposed to allow for more effective healing.

  • Dilation and curettage (also called D & C). A D&C is a minor operation in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument).

  • Free skin graft. A skin graft involves detaching healthy skin from one part of the body to repair areas of lost or damaged skin in another part of the body. Skin grafts are often done as a result of burns, injury, or surgical removal of diseased skin. They are most often done when the area is too large to be repaired by stitching or natural healing.

  • Hemorrhoidectomy. A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, distended veins in the lower rectum or anus.

  • Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. This may be done laparoscopically through an abdominal incision or vagin*lly. The ovaries may be removed at the same time.

  • Hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure used to help diagnose and treat many uterine disorders. The hysteroscope (a viewing instrument inserted through the vagin* for a visual exam of the canal of the cervix and the interior of the uterus) can transmit an image of the uterine canal and cavity to a television screen.

  • Inguinal hernia repair. Inguinal hernias are when the small intestine bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin. Surgical repair pulls the intestine back to its original location.

  • Low back pain surgery. Low back pain can have various causes, including abnormal development of the backbone, stress on the back, injury, or a physical disorder that affects the bones of the spine. Usually, surgery is not considered until other options have been exhausted, including rest, medication, and mild exercise. The type of surgery done on the back depends on the diagnosis.

  • Mastectomy. A mastectomy is the removal of all or part of the breast. Mastectomies are usually done to treat breast cancer. There are several types of mastectomies, including the following:

    • Partial (segmental) mastectomy, involves the removal of the breast cancer and a larger portion of the normal breast tissue around the breast cancer.

    • Total (or simple) mastectomy, in which the surgeon removes the entire breast, including the nipple, the areola (the colored, circular area around the nipple), and most of the overlying skin, and may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm, also called the axillary lymph glands.

    • Modified radical mastectomy, in which the surgeon removes the entire breast (including the nipple, the areola, and the overlying skin), some of the lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles. In some cases, part of the chest wall muscles is also removed.

  • Partial colectomy. A partial colectomy is the removal of part of the large intestine (colon) which may be done to treat cancer of the colon or inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.

  • Prostatectomy. The surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland, the sex gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra--the tube that carries urine away from the bladder. A prostatectomy may be done for an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or if the prostate gland is cancerous.

  • Tonsillectomy. The surgical removal of one or both tonsils. Tonsils are located at the back of the mouth and help fight infections

  • As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including surgical operations. I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. However, it's important to note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's always a good idea to consult medical professionals or trusted sources for specific medical advice or information.

    Appendectomy

    An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine. It is typically performed to treat acute appendicitis, which is the acute inflammation of the appendix due to infection .

    Breast biopsy

    A breast biopsy is a diagnostic test that involves the removal of tissue or cells from the breast for examination under a microscope. It is used to diagnose breast abnormalities, including abnormal breast tissue. There are different types of breast biopsies, such as needle biopsy, where tissue is extracted using a hollow needle, and lumpectomy, where a lump is partially or completely removed for examination and/or treatment.

    Carotid endarterectomy

    Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove blockages from the carotid arteries, which are the arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. If left untreated, a blocked carotid artery can lead to a stroke .

    Cataract surgery

    Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to treat cataracts, which cloud the normally clear lens of the eyes. During the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.

    Cesarean section (C-section)

    A cesarean section, commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure for delivering a baby. It involves making an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus to safely deliver the baby. C-sections are performed when vagin*l delivery is not considered safe for the mother, baby, or both.

    Cholecystectomy

    A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a pear-shaped sac near the right lobe of the liver that holds bile. It may be necessary to remove the gallbladder if it is prone to troublesome gallstones, infected, or becomes cancerous .

    Coronary artery bypass

    Coronary artery bypass surgery, commonly referred to as bypass surgery, is performed in people who have angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease. During the surgery, a bypass is created by grafting a piece of a vein or artery above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery, allowing blood to flow around the obstruction. Veins from the leg or arteries from the chest may be used for the bypass graft.

    Debridement of wound, burn, or infection

    Debridement is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of foreign material, dead tissue, damaged tissue, or infected tissue from a wound, burn, or infection. By removing the diseased or dead tissue, healthy tissue is exposed, allowing for more effective healing .

    Dilation and curettage (D&C)

    Dilation and curettage, commonly known as D&C, is a minor surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various uterine disorders. It involves dilating the cervix and scraping the cervical canal and uterine lining with a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument. D&C is often used for diagnostic purposes or to remove abnormal tissue.

    Free skin graft

    A free skin graft is a surgical procedure that involves detaching healthy skin from one part of the body and using it to repair areas of lost or damaged skin in another part of the body. Skin grafts are commonly performed as a result of burns, injuries, or the surgical removal of diseased skin. They are used when the area is too large to be repaired by stitching or natural healing .

    Hemorrhoidectomy

    A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove hemorrhoids, which are distended veins in the lower rectum or anus.

    Hysterectomy

    A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman's uterus. It may be done laparoscopically through an abdominal incision or vagin*lly. In some cases, the ovaries may also be removed during the procedure. Hysterectomies are performed for various reasons, including an enlarged uterus, benign conditions, or cancer .

    Hysteroscopy

    Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat uterine disorders. It involves inserting a hysteroscope, a viewing instrument, through the vagin* to examine the canal of the cervix and the interior of the uterus. The procedure allows for visual examination and may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes .

    Inguinal hernia repair

    Inguinal hernia repair is a surgical procedure performed to treat inguinal hernias, which occur when the small intestine bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. The surgery involves pulling the intestine back to its original location and repairing the weakened area.

    Low back pain surgery

    Low back pain surgery is performed to treat various causes of low back pain, including abnormal development of the backbone, stress on the back, injury, or physical disorders affecting the spine. Surgery is typically considered after other treatment options, such as rest, medication, and exercise, have been exhausted. The specific type of surgery depends on the diagnosis .

    Mastectomy

    A mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the breast. It is usually performed to treat breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomies, including partial (segmental) mastectomy, total (or simple) mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy, depending on the extent of tissue removal.

    Partial colectomy

    A partial colectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part of the large intestine (colon). It may be performed to treat colon cancer or inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis .

    Prostatectomy

    Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland, which surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in men. It may be performed for conditions such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer .

    Tonsillectomy

    Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of one or both tonsils. Tonsils are located at the back of the mouth and help fight infections. Tonsillectomy may be performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis or other tonsil-related conditions.

    Please note that the information provided here is a general overview of the mentioned surgical procedures. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for specific medical advice or information related to your individual circ*mstances.

    Common Surgical Procedures (2024)

    FAQs

    What are the top 5 major surgeries? ›

    What Are Some Major Surgeries?
    • Cesarean section.
    • Organ replacement.
    • Joint replacement.
    • Full hysterectomy.
    • Heart surgeries.
    • Bariatric surgeries, including the gastric bypass.
    May 22, 2018

    What are major surgical procedures? ›

    Major surgery – such as surgery to the organs of the head, chest and abdomen. Examples of major surgery include organ transplant, removal of a brain tumour, removal of a damaged kidney or open-heart surgery. The person will need to stay in hospital for some time.

    What is the easiest surgical procedure? ›

    Laparoscopy. A minimally invasive procedure in the belly cavity that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs and check for abnormalities. Laparoscopy is often used during surgery to look inside the body and avoid making large incisions.

    What are the top 3 riskiest surgeries? ›

    Which Surgical Procedures Are the Most Dangerous?
    • Brain surgery. One of the most dangerous procedures is any type of surgery on the brain or skull. ...
    • Heart surgery. ...
    • Cancer surgery. ...
    • Transplants. ...
    • Spinal cord surgery. ...
    • What if my doctor made a mistake during my surgery?
    Nov 8, 2023

    What is the most common surgery for adults? ›

    An appendectomy is the most common surgery in the US when it comes to general surgery. These surgical procedures can be scheduled or done on an emergency basis, depending on the condition of the appendix.

    What is the mother of all surgeries? ›

    Treating pseudomyxoma peritonei and some appendix cancers can be challenging. The surgical procedure is commonly referred to as MOAS (Mother of All Surgeries) because, depending on the extent of cancerous tissue and affected organs that need to be removed, it can be comparable to undergoing several major surgeries.

    What is the big five in surgery? ›

    Using age-matched groups, it was shown that surgically-interested individuals generally scored higher on extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, open-mindedness and lower on negative emotionality as related to the general public.

    What is the riskiest surgery ever? ›

    A craniectomy is a type of brain surgery and one of the riskiest surgeries. This medical procedure involves the removal of part of your skull to relieve any pressure on your brain.

    What is the most common minor surgery? ›

    Although the types of procedures vary by location, some of the more common minor surgery procedures performed by FastMed providers include: Removal of foreign objects from superficial wounds, ears, superficial eye, ear, or nose, (or vagin*l) Stitching and/or removal of stitches for wounds and lacerations.

    What are some serious surgeries? ›

    The 6 Most Complicated Medical Surgeries
    • Thoracic Aortic Dissection Repair. Thoracic aortic dissection repair is an emergency procedure to repair a tear in the aorta, your body's main artery. ...
    • Craniectomy. ...
    • Coronary Revascularization. ...
    • Surgical Ventricular Restoration. ...
    • Septal Myectomy. ...
    • Spinal Osteomyelitis Surgery.
    Sep 16, 2022

    What surgeries have the most painful recovery? ›

    • Even if anesthesia eases pain during a procedure, some surgeries can cause significant pain afterward or throughout recovery. ...
    • Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) ...
    • Liposuction. ...
    • Bone marrow donation. ...
    • Dental implants. ...
    • Total hip replacement. ...
    • (Open) Abdominal hysterectomy. ...
    • Tips for recovery.

    What is the least serious surgery? ›

    Laparoscopy: This was one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery. It involves making tiny incisions and inserting a tube with a light and a camera (the laparoscope) on its end.

    What is the least painful surgery? ›

    In general, minimally invasive surgery is linked to less pain, a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications. Laparoscopy is surgery done through one or more small cuts, called incisions, using small tubes and tiny cameras and surgical tools.

    What surgery has the lowest success rate? ›

    Surgeries that have high failure rates:
    • Hiatal hernia which is intended to fix the problem of the stomach protruding out of the diaphragm space into the esophageal area.
    • Hip resurfacing utilizes a metal cup that fits over the ball of the femur. ...
    • Grafts involve replacing patches of skin with treated cadaver tissues.

    What is the hardest surgery to recover from? ›

    5 of the Most Difficult Orthopedic Surgeries to Recover From
    1. Total Hip Replacement Surgery: The Journey to Regaining Mobility. ...
    2. Spinal Fusion Surgery: Back to the Basics of Movement. ...
    3. Rotator Cuff Surgery: Reclaiming Shoulder Strength and Flexibility. ...
    4. ACL Reconstruction: ...
    5. Ankle Fusion Surgery.
    Dec 18, 2023

    What is the hardest surgery to have? ›

    One of the most complex surgeries that patients can undergo is surgery related to the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system. The surgery itself is a lengthy and complex process and requires a team of specialists to carry out the operation.

    What is one of the riskiest surgeries? ›

    1. Craniectomy. One of the riskiest, if not the riskiest medical operation an individual can experience is a craniectomy, according to URMC.

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