In the context of surgical procedures, what does 'elective surgery' refer to?

Elective surgery refers to surgical procedures that can be scheduled in advance and are not considered urgent or emergencies. This classification allows patients to plan appropriately and often undergo evaluations or prepare for the surgery at their convenience. These procedures can include a wide variety of surgeries, such as cosmetic surgery, orthopedic repair, and certain types of eye surgeries like cataract removal, among others. Elective surgeries provide patients a choice regarding the timing and sometimes the necessity of the procedure, as opposed to emergency surgeries, which must be performed immediately to save life or function.

This distinction is crucial in understanding patient care, as elective surgeries often have different protocols for scheduling, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up compared to emergency procedures.