Preparing for surgery

It's best to be prepared if you're planning to have surgery. Make sure you know exactly what your operation is for and the risk involved.

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Questions to ask before surgery

It’s a big decision whether or not to have surgery. Asking your doctor a lot of questions can help guide you towards making the right decision.

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Surgery for ingrowing toenail (adult)

An ingrowing toenail happens when your toenail grows into the skin which can get damaged, causing infection and pain. Surgery can correct the condition.

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Removing benign skin lesions

Skin lesions are lumps found on or just below your skin. Surgery is the only reliable way to remove skin lesions. Find out more about how this surgery is performed and if there are any alternatives.

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Colostomy

A colostomy is surgery to bring part of the colon to the surface of the body to form an opening. Waste is collected using a bag called a stoma pouch.

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Hydrocele repair (child)

A hydrocele is a swelling around the testicle caused by a collection of fluid. Surgery can be done to prevent your child from having discomfort or embarrassment caused by the hydrocele getting larger as he gets older.

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Hemicolectomy

A hemicolectomy is an operation where a section of the large intestine is removed. It is usually done to treat a condition such as bowel cancer.

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Guide to bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off in the long term. Learn about the different types of bariatric surgery here.

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Surgery for cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a sac of dead skin cells that forms in your middle ear, which can damage your ear and cause complications. Surgery is the only cure.

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Gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of a large part of your stomach. It helps you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

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Bunion surgery

If you have a bunion that is causing pressure and pain, surgery should straighten your big toe and make your foot fit more comfortably into a normal shoe.

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Heart disease surgery

Links to our information partners' articles about heart disease surgery and cardiovascular disease.

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Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, a very effective surgery for weight loss, helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food.

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Guide to cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery aims to improve how you feel about your appearance. Learn the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgeons, and know what you need to ask.

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Surgery for problems of the small toes

If you have problems with your small toes that are causing pressure and pain, surgery should straighten your toes and help make your foot fit more comfortably into a normal shoe.

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Surgery for de Quervain's disease

De Quervain’s disease causes pain when you move your wrist and thumb, and usually a tender swelling at the base of your thumb. If treatment with steroid injections has failed, surgery should relieve your pain.

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Open TMJ surgery

Open TMJ surgery is an operation to diagnose and treat problems in your temporomandibular joint.

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Surgery for pilonidal sinus

Pilonidal sinus is a common problem in young adults and is best treated by surgery. It can cause an abscess or continued discharge.

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Surgery for anal fistula

An anal fistula can cause continued infection and pain. Symptoms usually get worse without surgery.

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Abdominal Surgery for Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of your bowel. Surgery is usually recommended if medication fails to improve your symptoms.

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Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

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Gender confirmation surgery

Gender confirmation surgery transfers people with gender dysphoria (who identify with a gender that is different from their biological sex) to their desired sex. Learn more here.

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Retinal detachment surgery

A retinal detachment is where the inner layer at the back of your eye peels off. Retinal detachment surgery should prevent your vision from getting worse.

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Surgery for benign scrotal lumps

A benign scrotal lump is a lump in your scrotum that is not caused by a cancer. Most of them can be left alone but some cause problems and can be treated by surgery.

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Endoscopic sinus surgery

Sinusitis is not usually serious but it can cause unpleasant symptoms. If medication does not help, endoscopic sinus surgery should help prevent the sinusitis from coming back.

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Glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy)

Glaucoma is a common problem, causing damage to the optic nerve where it leaves the eye. Glaucoma surgery can be performed to reduce the risk of further damage to the optic nerve.

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Ptosis surgery (adult)

Ptosis surgery involves lifting your eyelid to improve its position and improve your vision. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Surgery for tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is caused by wear and tear of the tendons on the outside of your elbow. 9 in 10 people heal within a year without any treatment. The main benefit of surgery is to get relief from the symptoms more quickly.

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Anti-reflux surgery

Acid reflux can cause heartburn or acid in your mouth. The acid can cause the lining of your oesophagus to become inflamed or scarred. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms continue while you are taking medication.

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Surgery for diverticular disease

Diverticular disease of the colon can cause pain and other serious problems. Surgery to remove the affected part of your bowel should prevent your symptoms from coming back.

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