It's funny. People think of surgery as "major" when it happens to them and
"minor" when it's being done to someone else! In reality, surgery is thought to
be major when it involves any vital organs and/or requires a long time period to perform. The
following words classify various surgeries:
Curative - A procedure that rids the body of a problem or corrects a
condition
Diagnostic - A procedure that helps in making a diagnosis about a
suspected problem
Elective - A procedure that may or may not be done, depending upon the
patient's wishes
Emergency - An immediate operation to save a life or maintain the use of
a body part
Exploratory - A surgery that explores a body organ or body area for a
suspected disorder
Palliative - A surgery that eases bodily pain but doesn't cure the
problem
Planned - A surgery set up well in advance of the actual operation date
Urgent - An operation that must be done within a matter of hours
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 12/31/00