While exact global figures vary, cataract surgery is consistently cited as the most common surgery worldwide, especially in older populations, with C-sections, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals (cholecystectomy), and appendectomies also ranking among the top procedures globally, reflecting common health needs like vision issues, childbirth, and abdominal problems.
Here are 10 of the most frequently performed surgeries and what they involve:
CRS is the aggressive removal or destruction of all or most of the visible tumors in the abdomen. It may also include removal of multiple organs. Some people who have been through it call it MOAS — for “mother of all surgeries.” They are complex, meticulous and long surgeries.
Orthopedic surgeries, such as *knee replacement, hip replacement, and spinal fusion*, are widely considered among the *most painful surgeries*. These procedures involve the manipulation, repair, or replacement of bones and joints.
More data on public hospital elective surgery waiting lists can be found via the links at the bottom of the page. In 2024–25: 791,000 patients were admitted from public hospital waiting lists. Cataract extraction was the most common intended procedure followed by excision of skin lesion.
Some of the most common surgical operations done in the United States include the following:
1. Transplants: $40,000-$150,000 No matter the organ involved, transplants rank as the most expensive surgeries, with costs ranging from $40,000 for a kidney to close to $150,000 for a heart or liver. Public hospital waiting list: Liver or heart: 9+ months; kidney 5-7 years.
A craniectomy is a type of brain surgery and one of the riskiest surgeries. This medical procedure involves the removal of part of your skull to relieve any pressure on your brain. Although modern technology means it is a more common procedure, it is still very risky.
In general, minimally invasive surgery is linked to less pain, a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications. Laparoscopy is surgery done through one or more small cuts, called incisions, using small tubes and tiny cameras and surgical tools.
Surprisingly enough, trepanation—also known as “burr holes” and closely related to craniotomy and craniectomy—is actually the oldest known surgical procedure on record, with evidence of its use dating back as far as the Stone Age.
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Perceptions by society and doctors about difficulties combining a surgical career with parenting discourage women from choosing this career. These are so strong that family and friends will even question a woman's choice to pursue a surgical career.
According to a recent article, of all the potential elective surgeries in the world – LASIK surgery has officially been named the safest, most studied and most successful! LASIK has highest patient satisfaction rate that has continually improved over the last twenty years.
Robert Liston's most notorious surgery yielded 300% mortality. The patient, the surgical assistant, and a family member bystander, each of whom felt the blade of Dr. Liston's slashing amputation knife, died of gangrene in the days following.
Top 5 Most Popular Cosmetic Surgeries
Does chronic pain ever go away? Currently, there's no cure for chronic pain, other than to identify and treat its cause. For example, treating arthritis can sometimes stop joint pain. Many people with chronic pain don't know its cause and can't find a cure.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity.
EMOTIONAL PAIN HURTS MORE THAN PHYSICAL PAIN. We tend to monitor our physical health more than our emotional health. For instance, we get physical health check-ups regularly, but the idea of getting a mental check-up is foreign to most of us.
The medical name for the procedure is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or CRS/HIPEC.
Spinal fusion and total joint replacements are among the most painful surgeries. Major abdominal surgeries are known for intense post-operative pain. Liv Hospital offers advanced protocols and dedicated patient care. Understanding the recovery challenges is key for patients.
In many aspects, minimally invasive surgery is safer than traditional open surgery.
Jobs paying $500k+ in Australia are primarily in highly specialized fields like Medical Specialists (surgeons, anaesthetists), Senior Finance/Executive Roles (CFO, Head of Treasury, Investment Directors), and high-end Sales & Construction Management (Elite Stockbrokers, Senior Project Managers/Estimators in complex sectors). While roles like Neurosurgeon and Ophthalmologist average well over $500k, achieving this in other sectors often involves performance-based bonuses or leading major projects, with opportunities listed on job boards like SEEK and Jora.
Who are the highest paid doctors in Australia?