Surgery

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). It is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

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

Abdominoplasty (also called a 'tummy tuck') is cosmetic surgery to alter the shape of your abdomen. Read about the procedure and the questions to ask.

An abscess is a collection of pus surrounded by a wall of tissue which happens when your body tries to control infection. You can get an abscess anywhere in your body.

If your knee continually gives way after an ACL rupture, reconstruction offers the chance of improving the stability of your knee in everyday life and in sporting activities.

If left untreated, tonsillitis can cause complications. Surgery is the only dependable way to stop tonsillitis that keeps on coming back.

Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids, lumps of tissue at the back of the nose. Find out more about adenoidectomy and recovery in children.

Amputation (loss of a limb or part of a limb) can be life-changing. Learn more about preparing for amputation, recovery, rehabilitation and support.

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

Angioplasty can be done to increase the flow of blood through a narrowed blood vessel. Learn how to prepare for angioplasty and what to expect.

If you have severe arthritis in your ankle, an ankle arthrodesis should reduce your pain and allow you to do more of your normal activities.

For some types of ankle fracture, an operation is the best way to make sure your ankle bones heal in a good position.

An anterior repair is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your bladder should be better supported and you should no longer have a bulge in your vagina.

The aortic valve is in your heart. It helps keep blood flowing in the right direction. Learn how to prepare for an aortic valve replacement operation.

Appendicectomy is an operation to remove an infected or inflamed appendix. Learn how to prepare for an appendicectomy and what to expect afterwards.

Frozen shoulder can cause severe pain and stiffness. An arthroscopic capsular release should reduce your pain and help you to move your shoulder more easily.

An arthroscopy is a procedure used to look inside a joint to diagnose and treat some joint problems. Find out about when arthroscopy may be used.

An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat some common problems affecting your ankle, without the need for a large cut on your skin.

An arthroscopy of your elbow allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat problems affecting the joint, without the need for a large cut on your skin.

An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat some common problems affecting your knee, without the need for a large cut on your skin. This may reduce the amount of pain you feel and speed up your recovery.

An arthroscopy of your shoulder allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat problems affecting the joint, without the need for a large cut on your skin.

An arthroscopy of your wrist allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat problems affecting the joint, without the need for a large cut on the skin.

The lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) can be affected by breast cancer. Axillary node clearance is a procedure to remove your lymph nodes to help treat the cancer and to prevent it from coming back in your armpit.

A vasectomy is an operation to cut the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles. It is a permanent and effective method of male contraception.

Prostate trouble is common. If your medication does not help or symptoms are severe, a bladder-neck incision should relieve your symptoms.

A blepharoplasty is an operation to make your eyelids appear younger and may improve your vision.

Women may have breast implant surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons. Learn about breast implants and some questions to ask your doctor.

A breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

A breast reconstruction with a breast implant or tissue expander is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

A breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

A breast reduction is an operation to maintain a natural shape of your breasts and imrpve symmetry with breast cancer surgery. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

A breast uplift is an operation to improve the shape of your breasts. For some individuals, a breast reduction or augmentation may be more suitable.

A bronchoscopy lets your doctor to see inside your airways and lungs. Find out about the procedure and when you might need a bronchoscopy.

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.

Cardiac ablation is a medical procedure to treat irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Learn what’s involved, benefits, risks, recovery and alternatives.

Cardiac catheterisation ('cardiac cath' or 'heart cath') is a common procedure that lets cardiologists check and treat the heart and it’s arteries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness in your thumb, index and middle fingers. A carpal tunnel release should improve your symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.

Learn more about cataract surgery. This operation involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with a clear plastic lens.

Cervical spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your neck, causing weakness or numbness in your arms and legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent further damage to your spinal cord.

A CWPF breast reconstruction is an operation to remove cancer and recreate a breast shape at the same time.

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder, which is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is done.

Gallstones can move into your common bile duct. An operation to remove your gallbladder and any stones in your common bile duct should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

Circumcision is surgery to remove the foreskin of the penis. There are several reasons to have this procedure. Learn about the risks and benefits.

Surgery to join the two ends of your large bowel back together should allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

Surgery to join the two ends of your bowel back together should allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that send sound signals to your brain. They can help improve the hearing of people with severe hearing loss.

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of colon cancer.

A colonoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if your child has a problem with their large bowel.

A colostomy is a surgery. It brings part of your colon (bowel) to the surface of your body to form an opening. Find out more about colostomies here.

A colposcopy is a minor procedure to examine your cervix for abnormal cells or growths. It may include a biopsy to examine tissue.

Disease of the cornea causes the transparent outer layer of the front of your eye to become less clear. If other treatments do not help, a corneal transplant can be performed to improve your vision.

Coronary artery disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and heart attacks. A coronary artery bypass graft can relieve your pain and may help you to live longer.

Strabismus surgery should make your eyes point in the same direction and improve any double vision.

Strabismus surgery should make your child’s eyes point in the same direction. Sometimes the operation gives better long-term results the earlier it is performed.

Cosmetic procedures are carried out by a medical professional to change a person’s appearance. Learn about the difference procedures, and what’s involved.

Cystoscopy is a procedure to see inside your bladder. Read about when this procedure is needed, how to prepare and recovery from cystoscopy.

Dilatation (or dilation) and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to remove tissue from inside your womb. Find out more about D&C and when it’s done.

A Dupuytren’s fasciectomy should straighten your fingers and give you a worthwhile improvement in the function of your hand.

An elective splenectomy is usually recommended for certain problems with your blood and to remove the life-threatening risk of your spleen rupturing.

An endometrial biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the lining of your womb.

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.

An endoscopic ultrasound is usually a safe and effective way of finding out more about a problem in the lining of your upper digestive system and in structures beneath the lining.

An endoscopy is a procedure that gives your doctor a direct view of your body’s internal organs. Learn about the procedure and how to prepare for it.

Varicose veins are a common problem and can lead to complications if left untreated. Support stockings can help to control symptoms but will not remove the varicose veins.

An entropion or ectropion repair is an operation to correct an eyelid that turns in or turns out. The operation should improve symptoms caused by entropion or ectropion.

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.

An epigastric hernia is where fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen. Surgery can be performed to rectify the condition.

An epigastric hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall between the belly button and sternum.

An excision biopsy involves removing a lump from your breast. It can help prevent an unsightly appearance and find out what is causing the lump. If the lump is causing you pain, you may get relief from the pain.

A ganglion is a lump under your skin that contains fluid, it is not serious. If it is causing trouble, your surgeon can remove it.

An external cardioversion is a procedure to treat an abnormal heart rhythm. It involves connecting you to a defibrillator machine that gives a controlled electric shock to make your heart beat normally again.

A facelift is a form of cosmetic surgery designed to change your facial appearance by reducing lines and wrinkles. Find out what a facelift involves.

A facet joint injection can be used to find out if your pain is caused by your facet joints, or to treat pain in your facet joints.

A femoral hernia is when a lump develops in the hole in the wall of your abdomen where the femoral artery and vein pass from your abdomen into your leg. Surgery will relieve the hernia and complications that may happen if it is not treated.

A flexible cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a flexible telescope (cystoscope).

A flexible cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a flexible telescope (cystoscope).

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the lower part of your large bowel.

Gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food. It is usually very effective.

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.

A gastroscopy is a procedure to look inside your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach. Find out what happens during a gastroscopy and when it is done.

Gender affirming surgery helps people with gender incongruence medically affirm their gender. Learn more about these types of surgeries here.

A general anaesthetic is usually a safe and effective way for your child to have an operation or procedure. Most children do not have any problems.

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.

Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes. They are put into the eardrum to prevent a build-up of fluid. Learn more about how to care for grommets here.

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

Cosmetic surgery is done to change your appearance. Find out more about cosmetic surgery and the types of question you can ask your surgeon.

Surgery for gynaecomastia is an operation to remove excess tissue from your chest.

Haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove haemorrhoids. It's common, generally safe and is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic.

Hair transplantation is a treatment option for baldness. It's a surgery which transfers hair from where it is thicker to hairless areas of the scalp.

Heart surgery is done in an emergency or if treatments don’t work or can’t be used. Learn about the procedures, including open-heart surgery.

A heart transplant is an operation to replace a damaged heart with a healthy donor heart. Learn about waiting lists and life after a transplant.

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

Hip replacement may be recommended if you have severe hip pain and other treatments haven't worked. Read about benefits and risks of this surgery.

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.

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus (womb). Read about the different types of hysterectomy and why this kind of surgery may be needed.

An endometrial ablation is a common gynaecological operation. It helps relieve the symptoms of heavy periods. You should get less bleeding and pain.

A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside the uterus (womb) using a small camera. Learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect.

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

You may need an ICD, or AICD (automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator) if you have an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat. Learn why here.

An inguinal hernia is a common condition. It is caused by the contents of the abdomen pushing down towards the scrotum or labia. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

Injection or banding is usually a safe and effective way of treating haemorrhoids.

Inserting a gastric balloon may help you achieve long-term weight loss if a simple approach involving eating less, improving your diet and doing more exercise does not work.

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest and even death. Having a pacemaker inserted may save your life by preventing you from having a cardiac arrest.

If your child is not able to eat and drink enough in the normal way, a gastrostomy device should allow your child to get the nutrients and fluid they need for healthy growth and development.

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest. Having an ICD inserted may save your life by giving you a shock to make your heart beat normally again.

A coil or intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a contraceptive device. An IUD can be removed by your doctor. Read about how this method of contraception works and how a IUD is inserted.

A kidney transplant is a long-term alternative to kidney dialysis. Find out what you need to know before having the surgical procedure.

A knee replacement may be recommended if you are suffering from knee pain and other treatments suggested by your doctor have not worked.

A laminectomy may be recommended to ease your back pain but only when other treatments such as physiotherapy and medication have not worked.

Lap band, also called gastric banding, is a type of weight loss that helps you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

Achalasia is not life-threatening but the symptoms can be disabling. A Heller’s cardiomyotomy is a dependable way to help you to swallow more easily for a long time.

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). It is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

An incisional hernia is a weakness in your abdominal wall, which happens when previous wounds do not heal properly. If left untreated, an incisional hernia can cause serious complications.

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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.

A laproscopic ophorectomy is an operation to remove one of or both your ovaries, most commonly because of an ovarian cyst.

Radical prostatectomy gives the best chance of you being free of localised prostate cancer. The operation involves removing your prostate gland. It usually involves removing some or most of the lymph nodes in your pelvic region, which helps your surgeon to decide on any further treatment.

A laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception. It involves blocking both fallopian tubes to prevent you from becoming pregnant.

Subtotal hysterectomies are operations to remove part of the uterus (womb). Usually a subtotal hysterectomy is carried out to help with heavy or painful periods, and fibroids.

A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery performed on your abdomen (tummy). Learn more about when a laparoscopy might be used and what it involves.

A laparoscopy and dye test helps to find out the cause of certain gynaecological problems associated with infertility. For some women minor treatments can be performed at the same time.

Laparotomy is an operation that allows surgeons to examine the inside of your abdomen and the internal organs. Find out why you may need a laparotomy.

A laryngectomy is surgery to remove the larynx, most often because of a cancer of the larynx. Either the whole or a part of the larynx can be removed.

A laryngoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your larynx.

Laser eye surgery can treat some medical conditions that affect your eyes or improve your vision. Learn about types, risks and benefits.

LASIK is a surgical procedure to improve your eyesight.

An anal fissure is a common condition that causes a lot of pain. At first, it may be treated with ointments or Botox. If this fails, surgery is the best option for a cure.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure. It’s used to reshape your body by removing fat. Read about the benefits and complications of liposuction.

A liver biopsy removes small pieces of tissue from your liver using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

An angiogram and angioplasty is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if you have any problems with your arteries and improving your symptoms.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your lower back. This may cause pain or weakness in your legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent your symptoms getting worse.

A slipped disc is where the spongy centre of a disc bulges out and puts pressure on a nerve where it leaves your spine. The aim is to relieve the pressure on the nerve so it can recover.

Lumbar puncture involves putting a needle into the lower back to diagnose and sometimes treat problems of the brain and spinal cord.

A lung biopsy involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

Surgery gives the best chance of you being free of early breast cancer. A mastectomy involves removing all your breast tissue. It usually involves removing some or most of the lymph nodes in your armpit, which helps your healthcare team to decide on any further treatment.

A mastectomy is an operation to remove your breast, usually to treat breast cancer. Learn how to prepare and what to expect if you need this surgery.

A Le Fort 1 osteotomy is an operation to change the position of your upper jaw to help improve the way your teeth bite together.

A microdochectomy or total duct excision involves removing a milk duct (or disc of milk ducts) from your breast. The procedure will stop a continued nipple discharge and help find out what is causing the discharge.

Mitral valve disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and eventually death. Mitral valve surgery can relieve your pain, improve your breathing and energy levels, and may help you to live longer.

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your child's hearing.

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty will repair the hole, may prevent infections and in some cases, improve hearing.

Your ureters (the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder) can become blocked. A nephrostomy is a procedure to drain urine from your kidney using a catheter (tube).

Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries, usually performed to treat an ovarian cyst, ovarian cancer or other ovary-related problem.

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

If you have an operation on your abdomen which is closed with stitches, but where the wound does not heal properly, the contents of your abdomen may push through, causing a lump called a hernia.

An inguinal hernia is a lump which appears in the passage where blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. It can be dangerous because your intestines can have their blood supply cut off.

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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

Testicles usually move down into the scrotum by 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes a testicle does not come down normally. An orchidopexy is a procedure which moves a testicle down into the scrotum.

Organ transplants involve removing an organ from a donor and transplanting it into someone in need. Learn more about what's involved.

A pacemaker is a medical device put in the chest to correct an irregular heartbeat, heart muscle problems or other heart conditions.

Paracentesis is usually a safe and effective way of finding out why extra fluid is collecting in your abdomen and treating your symptoms.

Parathyroid glands can become overactive, causing an increase in the level of calcium in your blood. Surgery to remove any affected glands is the only reliable way to prevent long-term problems.

Paraumbilical and umbilical hernias are lumps caused by the contents of the abdomen pushing the around the belly button (umbilicus). Surgery may be needed to prevent complications from a hernia.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is used when you can’t eat enough food. The PEG tube supplies food direct to your stomach.

Coronary artery disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and heart attacks. A PCI is usually a safe and effective way to relieve your pain.

A peripheral lower limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

A peripheral upper limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

This procedure permanently makes the ears sit closer to the sides of the head.

Pinnaplasty for children permanently makes your child’s ears sit closer to the sides of their head.

A posterior repair is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your bowel should be better supported and you should no longer have a bulge in your vagina.

Be prepared for any surgery by asking your doctor about the operation, its benefits, risks and recovery. This way you can make an informed decision.

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.

Ptosis surgery involves lifting your eyelid to improve its position and improve your vision.

A punch biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your skin.

Pyloric stenosis causes your baby to vomit soon after a feed which prevents them from getting goodness from their food.

A radio-frequency endometrial ablation is an operation that uses radio-frequency energy to remove the lining of your uterus (womb). Usually this is done to reduce or stop periods.

Blood clots occur to prevent you from losing too much blood. They can form inside a vein and move to your lungs, causing pain or serious complications.

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.

Metalware is often used in operations to help bones to heal. Once your bones have healed, your surgeon may recommend removing the metalware to reduce or prevent any problems it may cause.

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.

Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure will allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

Reversing a vasectomy is an operation to rejoin the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles. It may make you fertile again.

If your original hip replacement fails, you can usually have another operation to do your hip replacement again. If this revision operation is successful, you should be able to continue many of your normal activities.

If your original knee replacement fails, you can usually have another operation to do your knee replacement again. If this revision operation is successful, you should be able to continue many of your normal activities.

If your original shoulder replacement fails, you can usually have another operation to do your shoulder replacement again. If this revision operation is successful, you should be able to continue many of your normal activities.

Rhinoplasty (often called a 'nose job') is surgery to repair or reshape your nose. Learn about what to consider before having a nose job.

A rigid cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a rigid telescope (cystoscope). Sometimes certain problems with your bladder and urinary tubes can be treated at the same time.

A rigid cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a rigid telescope (cystoscope). Sometimes certain problems with your bladder and urinary tubes can be treated at the same time.

Salpingectomy is the removal of one or both fallopian tubes. It can be done to treat conditions such as cancer, endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy.

Sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes in the armpit to which breast cancer cells can spread. A biopsy to remove the sentinel nodes gives your breast cancer team important information to help plan your future breast cancer treatment.

Septoplasty will resolve a deviated septum, making it straight and relieving your symptoms of a blocked nose. Learn more about the risks and benefits of this surgery.

This operation improves the appearance of your nose and how you breathe. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results.

An unstable shoulder can cause pain, a feeling of looseness in your shoulder joint and dislocation. An operation can help to reduce any pain and allow you to use your shoulder.

Rotator-cuff problems can cause pain and weakness in your shoulder. An operation can help to reduce any pain and get back some strength in your shoulder.

A spinal anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

Otosclerosis can cause the stapes bone to lock in place, causing conductive hearing loss. A stapedectomy can improve your hearing without the need for a hearing aid.

Stomach cancer is a malignant growth that starts in the wall of your stomach. Effective treatment may help to control the cancer and improve your symptoms.

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

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.

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.

If treatment for De Quervain’s disease with steroid injections has failed, surgery should relieve your pain. Learn more.

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.

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

Surgery to remove an ingrowing toenail can take away infection and pain.

A hiatus hernia can cause heartburn or acid in your mouth. Large hernias can cause pain and problems with eating and drinking.

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

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.

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of rectal cancer.

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.

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is an operation that uses a balloon filled with hot water to remove the lining of your uterus (womb) to reduce or stop periods.

A thoracoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem in the space between your lungs and ribcage.

A thyroidectomy is the removal of part or all of your thyroid gland. It’s used to treat an enlarged or overactive thyroid gland or thyroid cancer.

A thyroid lump can be caused by cancer. A thyroidectomy involves removing all or part of your thyroid gland. This gives you the best chance of being free of cancer, and helps your surgeon to decide if you need any further treatment.

A TMJ arthroscopy is an operation to diagnose and treat problems in your temporomandibular joint, without the need for a large cut on your skin.

Foot disease is a common condition caused by a poor blood supply to your foot. Removing any dead or infected tissue should prevent the spread of infection and improve your mobility.

A tongue-tie joins the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Dividing the tongue-tie should allow your baby to feed better and improve oral hygiene.

A tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove the tonsils and is performed under general anaesthetic. Learn about recovery, risks and post-operative care.

Arthritis of your ankle is often the result of previous ankle injuries or rheumatoid arthritis. If you have severe pain, stiffness and disability, an ankle replacement should reduce your pain and still give you some movement in your ankle.

An elbow replacement is usually suitable for people who have arthritis. If you have severe pain, stiffness and disability, an elbow replacement should reduce your pain and help you to move your arm more easily.

Arthritis of your shoulder can cause severe pain, stiffness and disability. A shoulder replacement should reduce your pain and help you to move your shoulder more easily.

The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces a hormone called thyroxine, which regulates your body's metabolism. The thyroid can become overactive, causing weight loss, sweatiness and eye problems.

A tracheostomy is a small surgical opening in your neck that allows you to breathe through your throat instead of your nose and mouth.

A trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is usually a safe and effective way of finding out more about a problem in your heart chambers and heart valves.

A transbronchial biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem in your lungs.

A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an operation used to treat prostate enlargement. Find out about the procedure and what to expect.

Osteoarthritis at the base of your thumb can cause pain when you use your thumb and prevent you from performing normal activities. A trapeziectomy can relieve the pain and so improve how your thumb works.

Trigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff. If treatment with steroid injections has failed, surgery should allow your finger to move freely.

Tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception or sterilisation. Read about the benefits, risks and alternatives to having your tubes tied.

The inferior turbinates can sometimes become permanently enlarged and block your nose. Surgery should relieve your symptoms.

Ulnar nerve compression causes numbness in your ring and little fingers. An ulnar nerve release may improve your symptoms and should prevent permanent nerve damage.

An umbilical hernia is caused by a weakness in the layer of muscle of the abdominal wall, just behind the belly button. This can be repaired by surgery.

Arthritis of your knee usually happens without a known cause. It can sometimes affect only part of your knee. If you have severe pain, stiffness and disability, a partial knee replacement should reduce your pain and help you to walk more easily.

An upper GI endoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if your child has a problem with the upper part of their digestive system.

An upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your digestive system.

An upper GI endoscopy and dilatation is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if your child has a problem with the upper part of their digestive system and treating their symptoms.

An upper GI endoscopy and dilatation is a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the upper part of your digestive system.

A stone in a kidney or ureter can cause severe pain, infection and kidney damage. A ureteroscopy should treat a stone and help to find out if you have any problems in your kidneys and ureters.

A urethrotomy is an operation to treat a narrowing of your urethra. The narrowing is usually caused by scar tissue forming after inflammation, an infection or injury.

A vaginal hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus and cervix through your vagina. It is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

Varicose veins are a common problem and can lead to complications if left untreated. Support stockings can help to control symptoms but will not remove the varicose veins.

A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception involving surgery. Learn about the procedure and what to expect, to make an informed decision.

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.