Waiting to have a surgical procedure done? Now may be the perfect time to schedule it.
Are you enjoying a breather from your normally hectic schedule? If so, you're not alone. Many people find there's less competition for their attention at this time of year. You may have fewer commitments, less running around to get kids to activities and an overall more relaxed daily routine. You may even be lucky enough to fit in a vacation. That's why it's also an ideal time to take care of elective surgeries you may need.
Elective surgeries refer to any type of surgery that is not considered an emergency. You don't need to have it done right away, so you have the option of deciding when it best fits your schedule. Some surgeries are completely optional, meaning it's up to you whether you have the surgery or not. The procedure may enhance your quality of life or treat a non-life-threatening condition. Others are more necessary and need to get done, but the timing of when the surgery happens is a bit flexible because it's not an emergency.
Now is a great time to schedule elective surgeries, while your life is less hectic and you have more time to recuperate. You may also enjoy having some downtime during a season where you can enjoy being outdoors and don't have to be cooped up in the house. Of course, it's always best to discuss elective surgeries with your doctor to determine when it's best to have them done.
Common Elective Surgeries
Here are some of the most common elective surgeries performed. Some surgeries can be scheduled completely at your discretion, while the timing of others may be dictated by your symptoms, the severity of your pain and disability, or whether waiting will cause more damage or exacerbate a health condition.
- Joint replacement surgery – including hip and knee replacement
- Orthopedic surgery – including repairs and procedures affecting the foot, ankle, knee, leg, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist and elbow
- Abdominal surgery – including hernia repair and gall bladder removal
- Eye surgery – including cataract removal
- Ear, nose and throat surgery – including removal of tonsils and adenoids
- Urologic/pelvic surgery – including vasectomy, hysterectomy and bladder surgery
- Bariatric surgery – including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and gastric banding
- Cosmetic surgery – including breast reconstruction, skin grafts and mole removal
If there is an elective surgical procedure you need to get done, talk to your doctor or surgeon about when it's best to do so. The timing of the surgery will need to work with the surgeon's schedule as well as when it's good for you to take time off from work or other commitments. Also, think about how long you may need to recuperate and get back to your normal routine.
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Date Last Reviewed: May 17, 2024
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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