Elective surgery

Elective Surgery is a term used to describe a surgical procedure that is planned in advance, as opposed to an emergency surgery. These surgeries are not usually necessary for the immediate preservation of life, limb, or organ function, but are chosen by the patient or doctor to prevent a disease, to improve quality of life, or for other reasons.

Definition

Elective Surgery is a type of surgery that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency. Semi-elective surgery is a surgery that must be done to preserve the patient's life, but does not need to be performed immediately.

Types of Elective Surgery

Elective surgeries can be medical or cosmetic. Medical surgery is performed to correct a physical ailment, while cosmetic surgery is performed to improve appearance. Some common types of elective surgeries include hip replacement, knee replacement, cataract surgery, and plastic surgery.

Risks and Benefits

Like all surgeries, elective surgeries carry risks and benefits. The risks can include complications from anesthesia, infection, and blood clots. The benefits can include improved health, improved quality of life, and in the case of cosmetic surgery, improved appearance.

Decision Making

The decision to have an elective surgery is often a complex one that involves weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks. This decision should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.

See Also

• Emergency surgery
• Outpatient surgery
• Inpatient surgery