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:

A procedure that rids the body of a problem or corrects a condition.

A procedure that helps in making a diagnosis about a suspected problem.

A procedure that may or may not be done, depending upon the patient’s wishes.

An immediate operation to save a life or maintain the use of a body part.

A surgery that explores a body organ or body area for a suspected disorder.

A surgery that eases bodily pain but doesn’t cure the problem.

A surgery set up well in advance of the actual operation date.

An operation that must be done within a matter of hours.