What are the different types of surgery?

Surgery can be classified as major or minor, depending on the seriousness of the illness, the parts of the body affected, the complexity of the operation and the expected recovery time.

• Removal of brain tumors Correction of bone malformations of the skull and faceRepair of congenital heart disease, transplantation of organs and repair of intestinal malformationsCorrection of spinal abnormalities and treatment of injuries sustained from major blunt traumaCorrection of problems in fetal development of the lungs, intestines, diaphragm or anus

• Placement of ear tubes Hernia repairs Correction of bone fracturesRemoval of skin lesionsBiopsy of growths

Elective surgery: These are procedures that may be helpful, but are not necessarily essential, for your child to undergo. An example might be to have a birthmark removed or to circumcise your male infant.

Required surgery: These are procedures that need to be done to ensure the quality of your child's life in the future. An example might be having a spinal fusion to correct severe curvature of the spine. Required surgery, unlike emergency surgery, does not necessarily have to be done immediately and can allow you time to prepare your child for the experience.

Urgent or emergency surgery: This type of surgery is done in response to an urgent medicalneed, such as the correction of a life-threatening congenital heart malformation or the repair ofinjured internal organs after an automobile accident.