surgery that is not essential, especially surgery to correct a condition that is not life-threatening; surgery that is not required for survival. See also cosmetic surgery.

Elective surgery is undertaken to improve the outcome of treatment, rather than as a medical necessity e.g. the removal of certain lymph glands to reduce the risk of a cancer spreading.

Surgery for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

an operation the patient chooses to have done, which may not be essential to continuation of quality of life.

a planned operation when a patient is admitted to hospital from a waiting list or planned admission.

A surgical procedure that a patient chooses to have performed, and that if not performed will not be a threat to the patient's life. These types of procedures will very often require pre-authorization in the managed care environment.

Optional operation.