What is the purpose of surgery?

Surgery, whether elective or emergency, is done for many reasons. A patient may have surgery to:

• Further explore the condition for the purpose of diagnosis

• Take a biopsy of a suspicious lump

• Remove or repair diseased tissues or organs

• Remove an obstruction

• Reposition structures to their normal position

• Redirect blood vessels (bypass surgery)

• Transplant tissue or whole organs

• Implant mechanical or electronic devices

• Improve physical appearance