List of Surgical Procedures

The world of medicine is vast, and few areas are as critical and varied as surgical intervention. From minor outpatient procedures to complex, life-saving operations, surgery plays a pivotal role in treating a wide array of conditions and improving quality of life. Understanding the diverse landscape of these medical interventions can be incredibly insightful, whether you’re a medical professional, a student, or simply curious.

To help navigate this intricate domain, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide. You’ll find below 93 Examples of Surgical Procedures, ranging from the highly specialized Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open) to the essential Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt. Each entry provides clear insights, organized by its Specialty Area, Primary Goal, and Typical Invasiveness, offering a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand these critical medical interventions.

How have surgical procedures evolved over time?

Surgical procedures have undergone remarkable transformations, driven by advancements in technology, understanding of anatomy, and patient care. Historically, surgeries were often crude and highly risky, relying on basic tools and limited knowledge of sterility. Today, we see a significant shift towards minimally invasive techniques, robotic assistance, and advanced imaging, which reduce recovery times, minimize scarring, and dramatically improve patient outcomes, making interventions safer and more effective than ever before.

What determines the ‘invasiveness’ of a surgical procedure?

The invasiveness of a surgical procedure typically refers to the degree of trauma inflicted on the body during the operation. It’s determined by factors such as the size and number of incisions, the amount of tissue dissection required, the depth of the intervention, and whether natural body openings are utilized. For instance, open heart surgery is highly invasive due to large incisions, while laparoscopic procedures, using small incisions and a camera, are considered minimally invasive, generally leading to quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.

Examples of Surgical Procedures

Images and Descriptions

Appendectomy

Removal of the inflamed appendix to treat appendicitis, usually an urgent operation that prevents rupture and infection.

Cholecystectomy

Removal of the gallbladder to treat gallstones or inflammation; commonly done with small keyhole incisions.

Hernia Repair (Inguinal)

Repair of a bulge in the groin by closing or reinforcing the abdominal wall, often with mesh to prevent recurrence.

Hernia Repair (Ventral/Incisional)

Fixes hernias in the abdominal wall (including prior incision sites) using sutures and/or mesh reinforcement.

Colectomy (Colon Resection)

Removal of part or all of the colon to treat cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or obstruction.

Hemorrhoidectomy

Surgical removal of problematic hemorrhoids that cause pain or bleeding when conservative measures fail.

Appendix Drainage/Abscess I&D

Draining infected fluid collections related to appendicitis or other abdominal infections; may accompany antibiotics.

Gastrectomy (Partial/Total)

Removal of part or all of the stomach for cancer, severe ulcers, or bleeding conditions.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Weight-loss surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine to reduce food absorption and intake.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Common weight-loss surgery that removes a large portion of the stomach to restrict food intake and reduce hunger hormones.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

Placement of an adjustable band around the top of the stomach to limit food intake; less common now but still performed.

Open Heart Bypass (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting reroutes blood around blocked coronary arteries using grafts to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

Valve Replacement/Repair

Surgical repair or replacement of damaged heart valves to restore normal blood flow and heart function.

Pacemaker/ICD Implantation

Implanting a device under the skin with leads to the heart to regulate heart rhythm or deliver shocks for dangerous arrhythmias.

Lobectomy (Lung)

Removal of a lobe of the lung for lung cancer or severe disease, often done using minimally invasive thoracoscopic techniques.

Thoracotomy

A surgical incision into the chest to treat lung, esophageal, or chest wall conditions; used when minimally invasive approaches aren’t suitable.

Carotid Endarterectomy

Surgical removal of plaque inside the carotid artery to reduce stroke risk by improving blood flow to the brain.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Placement of a stent graft through blood vessels to treat an abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm without large open surgery.

Peripheral Vascular Bypass

Bypass blocked peripheral arteries (legs or arms) using grafts to improve circulation and relieve symptoms like claudication.

Varicose Vein Surgery (Stripping/Ablation)

Treats symptomatic varicose veins by removing or closing problematic veins using heat, laser, or surgical stripping.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Surgery to cut the ligament pressing on the median nerve in the wrist to relieve numbness and weakness in the hand.

Total Hip Replacement

Replacement of a damaged hip joint with artificial components to relieve pain and restore mobility, commonly for arthritis.

Total Knee Replacement

Surgical replacement of knee joint surfaces to relieve severe arthritis pain and improve function.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Removal of a damaged cervical disc and fusion of adjacent vertebrae to relieve nerve pressure and neck pain.

Lumbar Discectomy

Removal of a herniated disc fragment pressing on spinal nerves to relieve leg pain (sciatica).

Spinal Fusion

Permanent joining of two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and hardware to stabilize the spine for pain or deformity.

Laminectomy

Removal of part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord.

Craniotomy for Tumor

Opening the skull to access and remove brain tumors or relieve pressure; extent varies by diagnosis and location.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt

Placement of a tube to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen to treat hydrocephalus.

Tonsillectomy

Removal of the tonsils to treat recurrent infections or obstructive sleep issues, commonly performed in children and adults.

Adenoidectomy

Removal of adenoids (lymph tissue behind the nose) to treat chronic infections or breathing problems in children.

Septoplasty

Correction of a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing and reduce nasal obstruction.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Endoscopic surgery to open blocked sinuses and treat chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps.

Mastoidectomy

Removal of infected mastoid air cells behind the ear to treat chronic ear infections or cholesteatoma.

Tympanoplasty

Repair of a perforated eardrum and middle ear structures to improve hearing and prevent infections.

Cochlear Implant

Surgical placement of an electronic device in the inner ear to provide a sense of sound to people with severe hearing loss.

Thyroidectomy

Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland to treat cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.

Parathyroidectomy

Removal of one or more overactive parathyroid glands to correct calcium imbalance.

Adrenalectomy

Removal of one or both adrenal glands to treat tumors or hormone-producing disorders.

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer, sometimes followed by reconstruction.

Breast Lumpectomy (Wide Local Excision)

Removal of a breast tumor with a margin of healthy tissue, often followed by radiation for cancer treatment.

Breast Reconstruction

Rebuilding the breast shape after mastectomy using implants or the patient’s own tissue.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening of abdominal muscles for cosmetic and reconstructive reasons.

Liposuction

Removal of localized fat deposits using suction; common cosmetic procedure done under anesthesia.

Rhinoplasty

Surgical reshaping of the nose for cosmetic or functional improvement of breathing or appearance.

Breast Augmentation

Placement of implants or fat transfer to increase breast size or restore volume.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open)

Open surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by replacing the weakened section with a graft.

Kidney Transplant

Surgical placement of a donor kidney into a person with kidney failure to restore kidney function.

Liver Transplant

Replacement of a diseased liver with a donor liver for end-stage liver disease or liver failure.

Nephrectomy (Partial/Total)

Removal of part or all of a kidney to treat tumors, severe damage, or donation.

Cystectomy (Bladder Removal)

Removal of the bladder to treat bladder cancer, often with reconstruction to create a new way to store urine.

Radical Prostatectomy

Surgical removal of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, commonly done with robotic assistance.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Endoscopic shaving away of excess prostate tissue to improve urinary flow in benign prostatic enlargement.

Vasectomy

Surgical cutting or sealing of the vas deferens to provide permanent male contraception.

Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

Endoscopic passage into the urinary tract to break up and remove kidney or ureter stones using laser energy.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Removal of large kidney stones through a small skin incision and a tract directly into the kidney.

Cesarean Section (C-Section)

Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus, done for maternal or fetal indications.

Hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus to treat fibroids, heavy bleeding, cancer, or other gynecologic conditions.

Myomectomy

Removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus for future pregnancy or symptom relief.

Oophorectomy

Removal of one or both ovaries for cysts, cancer, or other conditions.

Salpingectomy

Removal of one or both fallopian tubes, often for ectopic pregnancy or sterilization.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Scraping or suctioning of the uterine lining to diagnose or treat abnormal bleeding, incomplete miscarriage, or remove tissue.

Hysteroscopy with Polypectomy

Endoscopic examination and removal of uterine polyps or small fibroids through the cervix.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Surgical repair to restore pelvic organs to their proper position and relieve prolapse symptoms.

Arthroscopy (Knee/Shoulder)

Minimally invasive joint surgery using a camera and small instruments to treat meniscal tears, ACL injuries, and more.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Repair of torn shoulder tendons to restore function and reduce pain, often done arthroscopically.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Reconstruction of a torn ACL using a graft to restore knee stability, common in sports injuries.

Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Surgical realignment and stabilization of fractured bones using plates, screws, or rods.

Tendon Repair

Repair of torn or severed tendons in the hand, wrist, or elsewhere to restore movement.

Skin Excision and Closure (e.g., cancer removal)

Surgical removal of suspicious skin lesions or cancers with closure; may include wider excision for melanoma.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Precise removal of skin cancer layer by layer with immediate microscopic examination to spare healthy tissue.

Skin Grafting

Transplanting skin from one area of the body to cover large wounds, burns, or after tumor removal.

Flap Reconstruction

Moving tissue with its blood supply (local or free flap) to reconstruct defects after trauma or cancer surgery.

PEG Tube Placement (Feeding Tube)

Placement of a gastrostomy tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach to provide long-term nutritional support.

Exploratory Laparotomy

An open abdominal surgery to investigate and treat unexplained abdominal problems, bleeding, or injury.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive inspection of the abdomen and pelvis that can also allow for immediate treatment of certain conditions.

Proctocolectomy

Removal of the colon and rectum for diseases like ulcerative colitis or cancer, often with creation of a stoma or internal pouch.

Anal Fistula Repair

Surgery to close an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and skin, relieving infection and drainage.

Cesarean Hysterectomy

Combined cesarean delivery and hysterectomy, sometimes required for severe bleeding or cancer during pregnancy.

Endoscopic Polypectomy (Colon)

Removal of polyps from the colon during colonoscopy to prevent cancer and treat precancerous tissue.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy

Endoscopic procedure to remove bile or pancreatic duct stones and place stents; involves cutting a sphincter in the duct.

Scleral Buckling/Vitrectomy (Retinal Repair)

Surgical techniques to repair retinal detachment and restore retinal anatomy, often using small incisions in the eye.

Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)

Removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.

Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)

Replacement of damaged or diseased corneal tissue with donor cornea to improve vision.

Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy/Tubes)

Surgical creation of a new drainage pathway or implant to lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve.

Dental Extraction (Surgical)

Surgical removal of problematic teeth including impacted wisdom teeth, often requiring small incisions and bone removal.

Dental Implant Surgery

Surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

Microdiscectomy

Small, targeted removal of disc material pressing on a nerve to relieve leg pain while preserving surrounding structures.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Removal of excess breast tissue and skin to reduce size, relieve pain, and improve function.

Endarterectomy (Peripheral)

Surgical removal of plaque from peripheral arteries to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms.

Rhinoplasty Septoplasty Combined (Functional/Cosmetic)

Combined procedures to correct nasal structure for improved breathing and/or cosmetic changes.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) / Stent

Catheter-based widening of a coronary artery and placement of a stent to restore blood flow; often done through the groin or wrist.

Sperm Retrieval (TESE/TESA)

Surgical extraction of sperm directly from the testis for use in assisted reproduction when ejaculation is not possible or sperm counts are very low.