A to Z of operations and guides
Everything MySurgeryLeaflet indexes, in one list: 458 entries across 15 specialties. Each one links to the page for that operation, where you will find the patient information we have found for it, who published it, whether it can be printed, and the date the publisher put on it. We do not write any of it ourselves.
A38 entries
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening AAA screening · Vascular Surgery
An ultrasound scan offered to men at 65 to check the main artery in the abdomen.
Printable leaflet available.
- Abdominoperineal resection Removing the rectum and anus · General Surgery
Removing the rectum and anus, with a permanent stoma.
Printable leaflet available.
- Abdominoplasty Tummy tuck · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
Printable leaflet available.
- Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia Waking up during an operation · Anaesthesia
How often people become aware during a general anaesthetic, and what happens if they do.
Printable leaflet available.
- Achilles tendon repair Achilles tendon surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Repairing a torn tendon at the back of the ankle.
Printable leaflet available.
- Adenoidectomy Adenoid surgery · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing the adenoids at the back of the nose.
Printable leaflet available.
- Adhesiolysis Surgery for scar tissue inside the tummy · General Surgery
Dividing bands of internal scar tissue that are sticking the bowel together or blocking it.
Web information only.
- Adrenalectomy Adrenal gland removal · General Surgery
Removing an adrenal gland from above the kidney.
Printable leaflet available.
- Alcohol before an operation Drinking alcohol before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why cutting down on alcohol before an operation helps your body heal, and how far in advance to do it.
Printable leaflet available.
- Amniocentesis Testing the fluid around the baby · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Taking a sample of the fluid around the baby with a fine needle, to test for a condition.
Web information only.
- Anaemia before surgery Low iron before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why anaemia is treated before an operation, and how.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anaesthesia and your weight Anaesthetics if you are overweight · Anaesthesia
How body weight affects anaesthetic choices and what can help before an operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anaesthesia for children Your child's anaesthetic · Anaesthesia
What to expect when a child has an anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anaesthesia for vascular surgery Your anaesthetic for vascular surgery · Anaesthesia
What to expect from the anaesthetic for an operation on your arteries or veins.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anaesthetic choices for hip or knee replacement Anaesthetic choices for a hip or knee replacement · Anaesthesia
Comparing the anaesthetic options for joint replacement surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anaesthetic for a caesarean The anaesthetic for a caesarean · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The spinal, epidural or general anaesthetic used for a caesarean birth.
Printable leaflet available.
- Angiogram of the arteries An x-ray test of your arteries · Vascular Surgery
An x-ray test that shows the arteries, usually before deciding on treatment.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ankle arthrodesis Ankle fusion · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Joining the ankle bones together to treat arthritis.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ankle arthroscopy Keyhole surgery on the ankle · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Keyhole surgery to look inside the ankle joint and deal with what is found.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ankle fracture fixation Broken ankle surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Fixing a broken ankle with plates and screws.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ankle ligament reconstruction Surgery to repair a loose ankle · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Repairing or rebuilding the ligaments on the outside of the ankle when it keeps giving way.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion Neck disc surgery · Neurosurgery
Removing a disc in the neck and fusing the bones.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ACL knee ligament repair · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Rebuilding a torn ligament inside the knee using a graft.
Printable leaflet available.
- Anterior resection Removing part of the rectum · General Surgery
Removing part of the rectum and rejoining the bowel.
Printable leaflet available.
- Aortic arch repair Surgery on the arch of the aorta · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing the curved part of the main artery, where the vessels to the head and arms come off.
Web information only.
- Aortic dissection repair Surgery for a torn aorta · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Emergency surgery to repair a tear in the wall of the main artery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Aortic root and ascending aorta replacement Surgery on the main artery above the heart · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing the first section of the aorta as it leaves the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Aortic valve replacement Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing the aortic valve in the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Aorto-bifemoral bypass Vascular Surgery
Using a graft to route blood from the aorta to both groin arteries.
Printable leaflet available.
- Appendicectomy Appendix removal · General Surgery
Removing an inflamed appendix.
Printable leaflet available.
- Appendicectomy (child) Appendix removal in children · Paediatric Surgery
Removing an inflamed appendix in a child.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Arteriovenous fistula formation Dialysis fistula · Vascular Surgery
Joining an artery to a vein in the arm to allow dialysis.
Printable leaflet available.
- Arteriovenous graft formation Dialysis graft · Vascular Surgery
Joining an artery to a vein using a synthetic tube so dialysis can be carried out.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Arthroscopic subacromial decompression Shoulder keyhole surgery for impingement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Keyhole surgery to make more room for the shoulder tendons.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Assisted vaginal birth Forceps or ventouse birth · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Help to deliver the baby with forceps or a suction cup.
Printable leaflet available.
- Atrial septal defect closure Closing a hole in the heart (ASD) · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Closing a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Awake craniotomy Awake brain surgery · Neurosurgery
Brain surgery during which you are woken so speech and movement can be tested.
Printable leaflet available.
- Axillary lymph node clearance Removing lymph nodes from the armpit · General Surgery
Removing the lymph nodes from the armpit.
Printable leaflet available.
B17 entries
- Banding of oesophageal varices Banding veins in the gullet · General Surgery
Placing small bands on enlarged veins in the gullet to stop them bleeding.
Printable leaflet available.
- Bariatric surgery Weight loss surgery · General Surgery
Surgery on the stomach or bowel to help with weight loss.
Printable leaflet available.
- Bile duct stent A stent to unblock the bile duct · General Surgery
A small tube placed in the bile duct to relieve jaundice and itching.
Web information only.
- Birth after caesarean Giving birth after a caesarean · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The choice between a vaginal birth and another caesarean, after a previous caesarean.
Printable leaflet available.
- Bladder neck incision Urology
Making a small cut in the bladder outlet to improve urine flow.
Printable leaflet available.
- Blepharoplasty Eyelid surgery · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Removing excess skin from the eyelids.
Printable leaflet available.
- Blood transfusion around surgery Will I need a blood transfusion? · Before & After Your Operation
Why a transfusion might be needed, what it involves and what the alternatives are.
Printable leaflet available.
- Botulinum toxin for blepharospasm Injections for eyelid spasm · Ophthalmology
Small injections that relax the muscles causing eyelid spasm.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Bowel cancer screening General Surgery
The national programme that tests for early signs of bowel cancer.
Printable leaflet available.
- Brain biopsy Neurosurgery
Taking a small sample of brain tissue to make a diagnosis.
Printable leaflet available.
- Breast biopsy Taking a sample from the breast · General Surgery
Taking a small sample of breast tissue with a needle, so it can be looked at under the microscope.
Web information only.
- Breast prostheses and bras after surgery Prostheses, bras and clothes after breast surgery · Before & After Your Operation
Prostheses, bras and clothing after breast surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Breast reconstruction Plastic Surgery & Burns
Rebuilding the shape of a breast after cancer surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Breast reduction Plastic Surgery & Burns
Reducing the size of the breasts.
Printable leaflet available.
- Bronchoscopy and EBUS Camera test of the airways · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Looking into the airways with a camera, sometimes with ultrasound to sample glands.
Printable leaflet available.
- Burn wound management Burn treatment and dressings · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Caring for and dressing a burn injury.
Printable leaflet available.
- Burr hole evacuation of subdural haematoma Draining a bleed on the brain · Neurosurgery
Draining a collection of blood from the surface of the brain.
Printable leaflet available.
C35 entries
- Caesarean birth Having a caesarean · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Being born through a cut in the tummy and the womb, planned or as an emergency.
Printable leaflet available.
- Capsule endoscopy Camera capsule you swallow · General Surgery
Swallowing a small camera capsule that photographs the small bowel.
Printable leaflet available.
- Caring for someone after an anaesthetic Looking after someone after their operation · Anaesthesia
What the person collecting a day-case patient needs to know and do.
Printable leaflet available.
- Carotid artery stenting Stent in the neck artery · Vascular Surgery
Widening a narrowed neck artery from the inside and holding it open with a stent.
Printable leaflet available.
- Carotid endarterectomy Neck artery surgery · Vascular Surgery
Clearing narrowing from the main artery in the neck.
Printable leaflet available.
- Carpal tunnel decompression Carpal tunnel release · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Releasing pressure on the nerve at the wrist.
Printable leaflet available.
- Cataract surgery Cataract operation · Ophthalmology
Replacing the cloudy lens of the eye with a clear artificial one.
Printable leaflet available.
- Catheter ablation Ablation for an abnormal heart rhythm · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Using a catheter to treat the heart tissue causing an abnormal rhythm.
Printable leaflet available.
- Cervical disc replacement Artificial disc in the neck · Neurosurgery
Replacing a worn disc in the neck with an artificial one.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Cervical stitch A stitch in the neck of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
A stitch put in the neck of the womb to help hold a pregnancy.
Printable leaflet available.
- Chest drain insertion Chest drain · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Placing a tube between the ribs to drain air or fluid from around the lung.
Printable leaflet available.
- Chest infection after an operation Anaesthesia
Why chest infections happen after surgery and what reduces the risk.
Printable leaflet available.
- Chest wall surgery Surgery to the ribs, breastbone or chest wall · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing part of the chest wall and rebuilding the gap left behind.
Web information only.
- Chiari decompression Chiari malformation surgery · Neurosurgery
Making more room at the base of the skull where it meets the spine.
Printable leaflet available.
- Choosing where to have your operation Choosing your hospital · Before & After Your Operation
Your right to choose the hospital and the consultant-led team when you are referred.
Web information only.
- Chorionic villus sampling Testing a sample from the placenta · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Taking a small sample from the placenta with a needle, to test for a condition.
Web information only.
- Circumcision (adult) Circumcision · Urology
Removing the foreskin.
Printable leaflet available.
- Circumcision (child) Circumcision in children · Paediatric Surgery
Removing the foreskin in a child.
Web information only.
- Cochlear implantation Cochlear implant · Ear, Nose & Throat
Implanting a device that helps severe hearing loss.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Colonic stent insertion Stent in the bowel · General Surgery
Placing a tube to hold open a blocked section of large bowel.
Printable leaflet available.
- Colonoscopy Colonoscopy - camera test of the bowel · General Surgery
Looking at the whole large bowel with a camera.
Printable leaflet available.
- Colpocleisis Closing the vagina to treat a prolapse · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An operation that closes the vagina to hold a prolapse up, for women who do not want to have sex again.
Printable leaflet available.
- Colposcopy A closer look at the neck of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
A closer examination of the neck of the womb after an abnormal screening result.
Web information only.
- Cone biopsy Removing a cone of tissue from the neck of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing a cone-shaped piece of the neck of the womb, usually under general anaesthetic.
Web information only.
- Consent for children and young people Agreeing to an operation for a child · Before & After Your Operation
Who can agree to an operation for someone under 18.
Web information only.
- Consent to surgery Agreeing to an operation · Before & After Your Operation
What you are agreeing to when you consent, and your right to change your mind.
Web information only.
- Consent when someone cannot decide for themselves Deciding for someone who cannot decide · Before & After Your Operation
How decisions are made when a person cannot make them for themselves.
Web information only.
- Constipation after an operation Constipation after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why painkillers and surgery cause constipation, and what helps.
Web information only.
- Corneal collagen cross-linking Cross-linking for keratoconus · Ophthalmology
Strengthening the cornea with vitamin drops and ultraviolet light.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Corneal transplantation Corneal graft · Ophthalmology
Replacing the clear front window of the eye with donor tissue.
Printable leaflet available.
- Coronary angiogram Heart artery scan (angiogram) · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Using dye and X-rays to look at the arteries supplying the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting Heart bypass surgery · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Using grafts to route blood around narrowed heart arteries.
Printable leaflet available.
- Cranioplasty Repairing the skull · Neurosurgery
Replacing a missing area of skull with bone or a custom plate.
Printable leaflet available.
- Craniotomy for brain tumour Brain tumour surgery · Neurosurgery
Opening the skull to remove a brain tumour.
Printable leaflet available.
- Cubital tunnel decompression Trapped nerve at the elbow · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Releasing pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Printable leaflet available.
D21 entries
- Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery for a blocked tear duct · Ophthalmology
Creating a new drainage channel for tears into the nose.
Printable leaflet available.
- The day of your operation On the day of your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Admission, gowns, drips, the anaesthetic and monitoring - what the day looks like.
Web information only.
- Day surgery Going home the same day · Before & After Your Operation
Having an operation and going home on the same day.
Web information only.
- Death and serious harm from anaesthesia The risk of dying or coming to serious harm · Anaesthesia
The figures behind the question patients most often want to ask but rarely do.
Printable leaflet available.
- Deceased organ donation Organ donation and the opt-out law · Transplant Surgery
How organ donation works in the UK now that the law assumes agreement, and how to record what you want.
Printable leaflet available.
- Decompressive craniectomy Removing part of the skull to relieve pressure · Neurosurgery
Temporarily removing part of the skull to give a swollen brain room.
Printable leaflet available.
- Decortication for empyema Surgery to clear infection around the lung · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing infected material and thickened lining from around the lung.
Printable leaflet available.
- Deep brain stimulation Neurosurgery
Implanting electrodes in the brain to reduce tremor and other movement symptoms.
Printable leaflet available.
- Dental extraction under general anaesthetic Taking teeth out under general anaesthetic · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Removing teeth while you are asleep.
Printable leaflet available.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy Keyhole look inside the tummy · General Surgery
Using a camera through a small cut to look inside the abdomen.
Printable leaflet available.
- Diet after bowel surgery Eating after bowel surgery · Before & After Your Operation
What to eat in the weeks after bowel surgery, including low-fibre advice.
Printable leaflet available.
- Diet after stomach or oesophageal surgery Eating after surgery to your stomach or gullet · Before & After Your Operation
How eating changes after surgery to the stomach or gullet, and how people adapt.
Printable leaflet available.
- Diet after weight loss surgery Eating after weight loss surgery · Before & After Your Operation
The staged return to eating after weight loss surgery, and the vitamins needed for life.
Web information only.
- Diet with a stoma Eating and drinking with a stoma · Before & After Your Operation
What to eat with a new stoma, how to avoid blockages, and staying hydrated.
Printable leaflet available.
- Distal radius fracture fixation Broken wrist surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Fixing a broken wrist with plates, screws or wires.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Division of tongue tie Tongue tie division · Paediatric Surgery
Releasing a tight piece of skin under the tongue.
Printable leaflet available.
- Drainage of a breast abscess Draining a breast abscess · General Surgery
Drawing the pus out of an infected collection in the breast with a needle, or through a small cut.
Web information only.
- Drainage of perianal abscess Draining an abscess near the back passage · General Surgery
Releasing pus from an infected area near the back passage.
Printable leaflet available.
- Driving after an operation When can I drive again? · Before & After Your Operation
Who decides when you can drive again, and when the DVLA needs to be told.
Web information only.
- Dumping syndrome Feeling unwell after eating (dumping syndrome) · Before & After Your Operation
Why some people feel unwell soon after eating following stomach or gullet surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Dupuytren's fasciectomy Dupuytren's contracture surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing thickened tissue that pulls the fingers into the palm.
Printable leaflet available.
E33 entries
- Eating after head and neck surgery Eating and drinking after head and neck surgery · Before & After Your Operation
Swallowing and eating after surgery to the mouth, throat or neck.
Web information only.
- Eating and drinking before an operation Eating and drinking before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
When to stop eating, and why you may be encouraged to keep sipping water.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ectropion repair Surgery for an eyelid that turns outwards · Ophthalmology
Correcting an eyelid that sags away from the eye.
Printable leaflet available.
- Embolectomy Removing a clot from an artery · Vascular Surgery
Removing a blood clot blocking an artery.
Nothing found. We searched and there is no UK patient information for this.
- Embolisation for bleeding after injury Stopping internal bleeding without an operation · Vascular Surgery
Blocking a bleeding blood vessel from the inside, using x-ray guidance, after a serious injury.
Printable leaflet available.
- Emergency laparotomy Emergency operation to open the tummy · General Surgery
An urgent operation through a cut in the tummy, to find and deal with a serious problem such as a blockage, a perforation or bleeding.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endobronchial valves One-way valves placed in the airways · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Small one-way valves put into the airways through a camera, to deflate the worst part of the lung.
Web information only.
- Endometrial ablation Treating the lining of the womb for heavy periods · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Treating the lining of the womb to reduce heavy bleeding, without removing the womb.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endometrial biopsy Taking a sample from the lining of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Taking a small sample from the lining of the womb, usually to find the cause of bleeding.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP - treating the bile duct by endoscopy · General Surgery
Using an endoscope to examine and treat the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy Keyhole treatment for hydrocephalus · Neurosurgery
Making a new pathway inside the brain so fluid can drain without a shunt.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endoscopic ultrasound Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) · General Surgery
Combining an endoscope with ultrasound to look at the wall of the gut and nearby organs.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endovascular aneurysm repair EVAR - keyhole aneurysm repair · Vascular Surgery
Lining a widened artery from the inside using a stent graft.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysm Coiling of a brain aneurysm · Neurosurgery
Filling a brain aneurysm with tiny coils passed through an artery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation Laser or heat treatment for varicose veins · Vascular Surgery
Sealing a varicose vein from the inside using heat.
Printable leaflet available.
- Enhanced recovery after surgery Enhanced recovery · Before & After Your Operation
The approach that gets people eating, drinking and moving sooner after an operation.
Web information only.
- Entropion repair Surgery for an eyelid that turns inwards · Ophthalmology
Correcting an eyelid that rolls inwards so the lashes rub the eye.
Printable leaflet available.
- Enucleation or evisceration Removal of an eye · Ophthalmology
Removing an eye, with a prosthetic eye fitted afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Epidural anaesthesia Epidural · Anaesthesia
A fine tube in the back that gives continuous pain relief.
Printable leaflet available.
- Epidural in labour An epidural for labour · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An injection in the back that numbs the pain of labour, and what it involves.
Printable leaflet available.
- Epilepsy surgery Surgery for epilepsy · Neurosurgery
Surgery to reduce or stop seizures that have not responded to medicine.
Printable leaflet available.
- Epiretinal membrane peel Peeling a membrane off the retina · Ophthalmology
Removing a fine layer of scar tissue from the surface of the retina.
Printable leaflet available.
- Evacuation of extradural haematoma Draining a bleed between the skull and brain · Neurosurgery
Removing a collection of blood between the skull and the covering of the brain.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Excision of a fibroadenoma Removing a harmless breast lump · General Surgery
Taking out a harmless breast lump, either through a small cut or with a vacuum needle.
Printable leaflet available.
- Excision of basal cell carcinoma Removing a skin cancer (BCC) · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Removing a basal cell skin cancer and repairing the wound.
Printable leaflet available.
- Excision of epidermoid or pilar cyst Removing a skin cyst · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Taking out a cyst from under the skin, with its lining, so that it is less likely to come back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Excision of eyelid lesion Removing a lump from the eyelid · Ophthalmology
Removing a growth from the eyelid and repairing the lid.
Printable leaflet available.
- Excision of skin lesion Removing a mole or skin lump · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Cutting out a skin lesion, usually under local anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Exercise and activity after an operation Getting moving again · Before & After Your Operation
Building activity back up before and after an operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Extensor tendon repair Repairing a tendon on the back of the hand · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Repairing a tendon that straightens the fingers.
Printable leaflet available.
- External cephalic version Turning a breech baby · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An attempt to turn a baby who is bottom-down, by pressing on the outside of the tummy.
Printable leaflet available.
- External ventricular drain insertion Brain drain (EVD) · Neurosurgery
Placing a temporary drain to remove fluid from inside the brain.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy Shockwave treatment for kidney stones · Urology
Using shockwaves from outside the body to break up a stone.
Printable leaflet available.
F14 entries
- Feeling anxious before an operation If you are frightened about your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Being frightened before an operation is usual, and there are things that genuinely help.
Printable leaflet available.
- Female sterilisation Being sterilised · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An operation to block or remove the fallopian tubes so you cannot get pregnant.
Web information only.
- Femoral endarterectomy Clearing the groin artery · Vascular Surgery
Clearing narrowing from the main artery in the groin.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Femoral hernia repair General Surgery
Repairing a hernia in the upper thigh, just below the groin.
Printable leaflet available.
- Femoro-distal bypass Bypass to the lower leg · Vascular Surgery
Using a graft to route blood down to an artery below the knee.
Printable leaflet available.
- Femoro-popliteal bypass Leg artery bypass · Vascular Surgery
Using a graft to route blood around a blocked leg artery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Fixation of mandibular fracture Broken lower jaw surgery · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Fixing a broken lower jaw with plates and screws.
Printable leaflet available.
- Fixation of zygomatic fracture Broken cheekbone surgery · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Repositioning and fixing a broken cheekbone.
Printable leaflet available.
- Flexible cystoscopy Bladder camera test (flexible) · Urology
Looking inside the bladder with a soft, bendy telescope.
Printable leaflet available.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy General Surgery
Looking at the lower part of the large bowel with a camera.
Printable leaflet available.
- Flexor tendon repair Repairing a cut tendon in the hand · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Repairing a tendon that bends the fingers.
Printable leaflet available.
- Flying and travel after an operation Flying after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
How long to wait before flying after different kinds of surgery.
Web information only.
- Free flap reconstruction Plastic Surgery & Burns
Moving tissue with its own blood supply to rebuild an area.
Printable leaflet available.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery Sinus surgery · Ear, Nose & Throat
Keyhole surgery to open blocked sinuses.
Printable leaflet available.
G13 entries
- Gallbladder drain A drain into the gallbladder · General Surgery
A drain placed into an infected gallbladder when an operation is too risky straight away.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ganglion excision Ganglion (wrist lump) removal · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing a fluid-filled swelling from the wrist or hand.
Printable leaflet available.
- Gastrectomy Removing part or all of the stomach · General Surgery
Removing part or all of the stomach.
Printable leaflet available.
- Gastrocnemius release Lengthening a tight calf muscle · Trauma & Orthopaedics
A small operation to lengthen a tight calf muscle and take strain off the foot.
Printable leaflet available.
- Gender-affirming surgery Surgery as part of gender transition · Plastic Surgery & Burns
The operations some people have as part of gender transition, and how the NHS pathway to them works.
Web information only.
- General anaesthesia Being put to sleep for your operation · Anaesthesia
What to expect from an anaesthetic that puts you to sleep.
Printable leaflet available.
- Genicular artery embolisation Blocking tiny knee arteries to ease arthritis pain · Trauma & Orthopaedics
A day case x-ray guided treatment for painful knee arthritis, without opening the joint.
Printable leaflet available.
- Getting a second opinion Asking for a second opinion · Before & After Your Operation
How to ask for another doctor’s view before agreeing to an operation, and what you can and cannot insist on.
Web information only.
- Getting moving after an operation Getting up and moving after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why getting out of bed early matters more than almost anything else you do afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Glaucoma drainage device insertion Tube surgery for glaucoma · Ophthalmology
Implanting a small tube to drain fluid from the eye and lower pressure.
Printable leaflet available.
- Going to interventional radiology What interventional radiology is · Before & After Your Operation
What it means to be referred to interventional radiology, where treatment is done through a tiny tube under x-ray guidance.
Printable leaflet available.
- Grommet insertion Grommets · Ear, Nose & Throat
Placing tiny tubes in the eardrum to drain fluid.
Printable leaflet available.
- Gynaecological laparoscopy Keyhole surgery to look inside the pelvis · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Keyhole surgery through small cuts in the tummy to look inside the pelvis, and often to treat what is found.
Printable leaflet available.
H21 entries
- Haemorrhoidectomy Piles surgery · General Surgery
Surgically removing piles.
Printable leaflet available.
- Haglund’s deformity surgery Surgery for a painful bony lump at the back of the heel · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing the bony prominence at the back of the heel, and repairing the tendon over it.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hallux rigidus surgery Big toe arthritis surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Surgery for a stiff, arthritic big toe joint.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hallux valgus correction Bunion surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Straightening a big toe that has drifted out of line.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hand fracture fixation Broken hand surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Fixing broken bones in the hand or fingers.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hartmann’s procedure Removing part of the bowel and forming a colostomy · General Surgery
Taking out the lower part of the bowel and bringing the end out onto the tummy as a colostomy, because joining it back up would be too risky.
Printable leaflet available.
- Having an operation - easy read Anaesthesia
The whole day of an operation explained in simple words and pictures.
Printable leaflet available.
- Having an operation - easy read Before & After Your Operation
Surgery explained in simple words and pictures.
Printable leaflet available.
- Having an operation with diabetes Having an operation when you have diabetes · Before & After Your Operation
How an operation affects your blood sugar, and what happens to your diabetes medicines around it.
Web information only.
- Heart transplant Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing a failing heart with a donor heart.
Web information only.
- Hiatus hernia repair Hiatus hernia surgery · General Surgery
Repairing a hernia where the stomach pushes up into the chest.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Hip arthroscopy Hip keyhole surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Keyhole surgery to examine or treat problems inside the hip joint.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Hip fracture fixation or hemiarthroplasty Broken hip surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Fixing or partially replacing a broken hip.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hip resurfacing Trauma & Orthopaedics
Capping the hip joint surfaces rather than replacing the whole joint.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate HoLEP - laser prostate surgery · Urology
Using a laser to remove an enlarged prostate through the waterpipe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hospital care for people with a learning disability Going into hospital if you have a learning disability · Before & After Your Operation
Hospital passports, reasonable adjustments and the support you can ask for.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hospital care for people with dementia Going into hospital with dementia · Before & After Your Operation
Admission, delirium, discharge planning and the "This is me" tool.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hydrocele repair (adult) Hydrocele repair · Urology
Draining and repairing a fluid-filled swelling around the testicle.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hydrocele repair (child) Hydrocele repair in children · Paediatric Surgery
Repairing a fluid-filled swelling around the testicle in a child.
Web information only.
- Hysterectomy Removal of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing the womb, through the tummy, through the vagina, or by keyhole surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Hysteroscopy Looking inside the womb with a camera · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
A thin camera passed through the neck of the womb to look inside, and sometimes to treat what is found.
Printable leaflet available.
I17 entries
- If your operation is cancelled If your operation is cancelled or put off · Before & After Your Operation
What the NHS owes you if your operation is called off, and the twenty-eight day rule.
Web information only.
- Ileo-anal pouch Pouch surgery instead of a permanent stoma · General Surgery
Removing the large bowel and making a pouch from the small bowel, so you may not need a permanent stoma.
Printable leaflet available.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion ICD (implantable defibrillator) · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Implanting a device that can correct a dangerous heart rhythm.
Printable leaflet available.
- In theatre and the recovery room What happens in the operating theatre · Before & After Your Operation
What the anaesthetic room, the theatre and the recovery room are actually like.
Web information only.
- Incision and curettage of chalazion Treatment for an eyelid cyst · Ophthalmology
Draining a firm lump in the eyelid under local anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Incision and drainage of an abscess Draining an abscess · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Making a small cut to let the pus out of an abscess, then packing or leaving the wound open to heal.
Printable leaflet available.
- Incisional hernia repair General Surgery
Repairing a hernia that has formed through a previous surgical scar.
Printable leaflet available.
- Induction of labour Being induced · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Starting labour off rather than waiting for it to begin, and the sweep that often comes first.
Printable leaflet available.
- Infections picked up in hospital Infections you can catch in hospital · Before & After Your Operation
The two infections surgical patients most often meet, and what to do about them.
Web information only.
- Inferior vena cava filter insertion Filter in the main vein · Vascular Surgery
Placing a filter in the main vein of the abdomen to catch blood clots.
Printable leaflet available.
- Information in other languages Before & After Your Operation
Anaesthetic and surgery information translated into other languages.
Web information only.
- Inguinal hernia repair Groin hernia repair · General Surgery
Repairing a hernia in the groin.
Printable leaflet available.
- Inguinal hernia repair (child) Groin hernia repair in children · Paediatric Surgery
Repairing a groin hernia in a child.
Web information only.
- Intensive care after an operation Going to intensive care after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
What to expect if you are told you will go to intensive care after your operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Intermittent self-catheterisation Passing a catheter yourself · Before & After Your Operation
How to pass a catheter yourself, and what to watch for.
Printable leaflet available.
- Intracranial pressure monitor insertion Pressure monitor in the head · Neurosurgery
Placing a fine probe to measure the pressure inside the head.
Printable leaflet available.
- Intravitreal injection Injection into the eye · Ophthalmology
Injecting medicine into the eye to treat retinal conditions.
Printable leaflet available.
K3 entries
- Kidney cyst sclerotherapy Draining and sealing a kidney cyst · Urology
Draining a large kidney cyst and treating the lining so it does not refill.
Printable leaflet available.
- Kidney transplant Having a kidney transplant · Transplant Surgery
Receiving a kidney from a donor, placed low in the tummy, with your own kidneys usually left where they are.
Web information only.
- Knee arthroscopy and meniscectomy Knee keyhole surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Keyhole surgery to examine or trim damaged cartilage in the knee.
Printable leaflet available.
L33 entries
- Lacrimal bypass tube Lester Jones tube for a watery eye · Ophthalmology
A tiny glass tube that lets tears drain into the nose when the natural channel cannot be repaired.
Web information only.
- Lacrimal probing and syringing Tear duct probing in children · Ophthalmology
Opening a blocked tear duct in a child with a fine probe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Gallbladder removal (keyhole) · General Surgery
Removing the gallbladder, usually through keyhole surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Laparoscopic fundoplication Surgery for severe acid reflux · General Surgery
Wrapping the top of the stomach around the gullet to stop acid reflux.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Laser peripheral iridotomy Laser to make a tiny hole in the iris · Ophthalmology
Making a small opening in the iris with a laser to improve drainage.
Printable leaflet available.
- Laser refractive surgery Laser eye surgery · Ophthalmology
Reshaping the cornea with a laser to reduce the need for glasses.
Web information only.
- Laser retinopexy Laser for a retinal tear · Ophthalmology
Sealing a tear in the retina with laser to stop it detaching.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lateral epicondylitis release Tennis elbow surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Surgery to release the tendon on the outer side of the elbow.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Leaving hospital and support at home Going home from hospital · Before & After Your Operation
What should be arranged before you leave, and what support is available at home.
Web information only.
- Left hemicolectomy or sigmoid colectomy Removing the left side of the bowel · General Surgery
Removing the left-hand section of the large bowel.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lesser toe surgery Surgery for hammer, claw and mallet toes · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Straightening a bent toe, or taking pressure off the ball of the foot.
Printable leaflet available.
- Life after a limb amputation Life after an amputation · Before & After Your Operation
Rehabilitation and prosthetic limb fitting after an amputation.
Web information only.
- Lipoma excision Removing a fatty lump · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Taking out a soft fatty lump from under the skin, usually through a small cut under local anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Liver resection Removing part of the liver · General Surgery
Removing part of the liver.
Printable leaflet available.
- Liver transplant Having a liver transplant · Transplant Surgery
Replacing a failing liver with a donated one, in an operation that usually takes five to eight hours.
Printable leaflet available.
- Living donor nephrectomy Donating a kidney while you are alive · Transplant Surgery
Giving one of your kidneys to someone who needs it, through keyhole surgery, and what that means for you afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Living with a joint replacement Your new joint in the long term · Before & After Your Operation
How long a replacement joint lasts, and what happens if it wears out.
Printable leaflet available.
- Living with a stoma Before & After Your Operation
Day-to-day life with a stoma: appliances, diet, work, travel and supplies.
Printable leaflet available.
- Living with a urinary catheter Living with a catheter at home · Before & After Your Operation
Managing a catheter at home, and when a problem needs attention.
Printable leaflet available.
- Living with a urostomy Before & After Your Operation
What a urostomy is and how it is managed day to day.
Printable leaflet available.
- LLETZ Removing abnormal cells from the neck of the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing abnormal cells from the neck of the womb with a heated wire loop, usually in clinic.
Web information only.
- Lobectomy Removing part of a lung · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing one lobe of a lung.
Printable leaflet available.
- Local anaesthesia for eye surgery Local anaesthetic for an eye operation · Anaesthesia
How the eye is numbed for cataract and other eye operations.
Printable leaflet available.
- Looking after your wound at home Before & After Your Operation
Keeping the wound clean and dry, when you can shower, and how to spot infection.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lower limb amputation Leg amputation · Vascular Surgery
Removing part of the leg when blood supply cannot be restored.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lumbar decompression Surgery for a narrowed spinal canal · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Making more room for the nerves in the lower back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lumbar decompression (neurosurgical) Lower back decompression · Neurosurgery
Making more room for the nerves in the lower back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lumbar discectomy Slipped disc surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing part of a disc that is pressing on a nerve in the lower back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lumbar spinal fusion Spinal fusion · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Joining vertebrae together to stop painful movement.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lumbar sympathectomy Vascular Surgery
Interrupting nerves in the back to improve blood flow or reduce pain in the leg.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Lung transplant Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing one or both failing lungs with donor lungs.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lung volume reduction Surgery and valves for severe emphysema · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing or shutting off the worst damaged parts of the lung so the rest can work better.
Printable leaflet available.
- Lymphoedema after lymph node surgery Swelling after lymph node surgery · Before & After Your Operation
Reducing the risk of swelling after lymph node surgery, and managing it if it happens.
Printable leaflet available.
M20 entries
- Macular hole surgery Ophthalmology
Vitrectomy with a gas bubble to close a small hole at the centre of the retina.
Printable leaflet available.
- Manipulation under anaesthetic Trauma & Orthopaedics
Straightening a bone or freeing a stiff joint while you are asleep.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Manual removal of the placenta An operation to remove the placenta · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An operation to remove the placenta when it does not come away after the birth.
Web information only.
- Mastectomy Breast removal · General Surgery
Removing all of the breast tissue.
Printable leaflet available.
- Mastoidectomy Mastoid surgery · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing infected bone or a cholesteatoma from behind the ear.
Printable leaflet available.
- Maze procedure Maze operation for atrial fibrillation · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Creating a pattern of scar tissue in the heart to stop an abnormal rhythm.
Printable leaflet available.
- Mediastinoscopy Looking at the glands in the chest · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Using a camera through a small neck incision to sample glands in the chest.
Printable leaflet available.
- Medicines after a transplant The tablets you take after a transplant · Transplant Surgery
The anti-rejection tablets you take for as long as the transplant lasts, what they do, and what to watch for.
Web information only.
- Medicines before an operation Which medicines to stop before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Which of your usual tablets to keep taking and which to stop, and who decides.
Printable leaflet available.
- Meningioma surgery Neurosurgery
Removing a tumour arising from the lining of the brain.
Printable leaflet available.
- Microdochectomy and total duct excision Removing a milk duct · General Surgery
Removing one milk duct, or all the main ducts behind the nipple, usually because of discharge or repeated infection.
Printable leaflet available.
- Microlaryngoscopy Examining the voice box · Ear, Nose & Throat
Examining and operating on the voice box under anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Microvascular decompression Surgery for trigeminal neuralgia · Neurosurgery
Moving a blood vessel away from the nerve that causes facial pain.
Printable leaflet available.
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery MIGS - keyhole glaucoma surgery · Ophthalmology
Small implants or channels that improve drainage from the eye.
Printable leaflet available.
- Mitral valve repair or replacement Mitral valve surgery · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Repairing or replacing the mitral valve in the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Mohs micrographic surgery Skin cancer removed layer by layer · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Removing a skin cancer one layer at a time, checking each layer under the microscope straight away until the edges are clear.
Printable leaflet available.
- Morton's neuroma excision Morton's neuroma surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing a thickened nerve between the toes.
Printable leaflet available.
- MRSA screening before an operation MRSA swabs before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why you are swabbed before an operation and what happens if MRSA is found.
Web information only.
- Myomectomy Removing fibroids and keeping the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing fibroids from the womb while leaving the womb in place.
Printable leaflet available.
- Myringoplasty Eardrum repair · Ear, Nose & Throat
Repairing a hole in the eardrum.
Printable leaflet available.
N9 entries
- Nasal polypectomy Removing nasal polyps · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing soft growths from inside the nose.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic Feeling sick after an anaesthetic · Anaesthesia
Why sickness happens after an anaesthetic, and what can be done to prevent it.
Printable leaflet available.
- Neck dissection Removing lymph nodes from the neck · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing lymph nodes from the neck.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nerve damage after a general anaesthetic Anaesthesia
Nerve injury caused by position or pressure during an operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nerve damage after a peripheral nerve block Nerve damage after a nerve block · Anaesthesia
The risk of lasting numbness or weakness after a nerve block, and when to ring the hospital.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nerve damage after a spinal or epidural Anaesthesia
The risk of nerve injury from an injection in the back, with the actual numbers.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nutrition after an operation Eating well after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Eating enough to heal, and what to do when your appetite has gone.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nutrition after pancreatic surgery Eating and digestion after pancreatic surgery · Before & After Your Operation
Why enzyme capsules are needed after pancreatic surgery, and how to take them.
Printable leaflet available.
- Nutrition before an operation Eating well before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
Eating well in the weeks before an operation, and what to do if you are losing weight.
Printable leaflet available.
O14 entries
- Oesophageal dilatation Stretching a narrowed gullet · General Surgery
Widening a narrowed section of the gullet during an endoscopy.
Printable leaflet available.
- Oesophageal stent insertion Stent in the gullet · General Surgery
Placing a tube to hold open a narrowed gullet so swallowing is easier.
Printable leaflet available.
- Oesophagectomy Removing part of the gullet · General Surgery
Removing part of the gullet (oesophagus).
Printable leaflet available.
- Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy Gastroscopy - camera test of the stomach · General Surgery
Looking at the gullet, stomach and first part of the bowel with a camera.
Printable leaflet available.
- Oophorectomy Removing an ovary · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing one or both ovaries, and what it means if both are taken out before the menopause.
Printable leaflet available.
- Open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair Open AAA repair · Vascular Surgery
Open surgery to replace a widened section of the main artery in the abdomen.
Printable leaflet available.
- Oral biopsy Mouth biopsy · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Taking a small sample of tissue from inside the mouth.
Printable leaflet available.
- Orbital decompression Orbital decompression surgery · Ophthalmology
Making more room behind the eye so a bulging eye can settle back.
Web information only.
- Orbital exenteration Removal of the eye and surrounding tissue · Ophthalmology
Removing the eye together with the tissue around it, usually for a cancer.
Web information only.
- Orchidectomy Removal of a testicle · Urology
Removing a testicle.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Orchidopexy Fixing a testicle in place · Urology
Fixing a testicle in position within the scrotum.
Printable leaflet available.
- Orchidopexy (child) Undescended testicle surgery · Paediatric Surgery
Bringing an undescended testicle down into the scrotum.
Web information only.
- Orthognathic surgery Jaw realignment surgery · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Repositioning the jaws to correct the bite and facial shape.
Web information only.
- Ovarian cystectomy Removing a cyst from the ovary · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing a cyst from the ovary, usually by keyhole surgery, leaving the ovary in place.
Printable leaflet available.
P39 entries
- Pacemaker implantation Pacemaker fitting · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Implanting a small device to regulate the heartbeat.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pain relief after surgery Pain relief after your operation · Anaesthesia
What pain relief is available after an operation, in hospital and at home.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pancreas transplant Having a pancreas transplant · Transplant Surgery
Receiving a donated pancreas, often at the same time as a kidney, to treat type 1 diabetes with kidney failure.
Web information only.
- Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) Whipple's operation · General Surgery
Removing the head of the pancreas and nearby structures.
Printable leaflet available.
- Panretinal photocoagulation Laser for diabetic eye disease · Ophthalmology
Laser treatment to the outer retina to protect sight in diabetic eye disease.
Printable leaflet available.
- Parathyroidectomy Parathyroid gland surgery · General Surgery
Removing one or more overactive parathyroid glands.
Printable leaflet available.
- Parotidectomy Removing the parotid salivary gland · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing part or all of the salivary gland in front of the ear.
Printable leaflet available.
- Partial nephrectomy Removing part of a kidney · Urology
Removing only the affected part of a kidney.
Printable leaflet available.
- Patellar stabilisation surgery Kneecap stabilising surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Surgery to stop the kneecap slipping out of place.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pectus excavatum repair Surgery for a sunken chest · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Correcting a chest wall that curves inwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pelvic vein embolisation Treatment for pelvic congestion · Vascular Surgery
Sealing off faulty veins in the pelvis that cause a persistent dragging ache.
Printable leaflet available.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention Angioplasty and stents for the heart · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Opening a narrowed heart artery with a balloon and usually leaving a stent in place.
Printable leaflet available.
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy PEG feeding tube · General Surgery
Placing a feeding tube through the skin into the stomach using an endoscope.
Printable leaflet available.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy Keyhole kidney stone surgery · Urology
Removing a kidney stone through a small cut in the back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Percutaneous nephrostomy Kidney drain · Urology
Placing a drain through the skin into the kidney.
Printable leaflet available.
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram Draining a blocked bile duct through the skin · General Surgery
Reaching a blocked bile duct through the skin and the liver, when an endoscope cannot get there.
Web information only.
- Pericardial window or pericardiectomy Surgery on the sac around the heart · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Draining or removing part of the sac around the heart.
Web information only.
- Perineal tear and episiotomy repair Stitches after a tear or a cut · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Stitching a tear or a cut between the vagina and the back passage after birth.
Printable leaflet available.
- Perioperative care patient charter What you should expect from your care · Before & After Your Operation
A one-page statement that you are an equal partner in decisions about your care.
Printable leaflet available.
- Peripheral angioplasty and stenting Balloon and stent for a narrowed artery · Vascular Surgery
Widening a narrowed artery with a balloon, sometimes leaving a stent.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Peripheral nerve blocks Nerve block · Anaesthesia
An injection that numbs one part of the body for surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pilonidal sinus surgery General Surgery
Removing an infected tract in the skin at the base of the spine.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pleurodesis and surgery for pneumothorax Surgery for a collapsed lung · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Sealing the lung to the chest wall to stop it collapsing again.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pneumonectomy Removing a whole lung · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing an entire lung.
Printable leaflet available.
- Polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection Removing a polyp at endoscopy · General Surgery
Removing a polyp from the lining of the bowel during an endoscopy.
Printable leaflet available.
- Popliteal aneurysm repair Aneurysm behind the knee · Vascular Surgery
Treating a widened artery behind the knee.
Web information only.
- Posterior cervical decompression Neck decompression from behind · Neurosurgery
Making more room for the spinal cord in the neck.
Printable leaflet available.
- Postoperative delirium Becoming confused after an operation · Anaesthesia
Sudden confusion after an operation, who it affects most, and how it is managed.
Printable leaflet available.
- Prehabilitation Getting fitter before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
What you can do in the weeks before an operation to recover better afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Preoperative assessment Your pre-operative assessment appointment · Before & After Your Operation
What happens at the appointment before your operation, and what to bring.
Web information only.
- Preparing for surgery Getting ready for your operation · Before & After Your Operation
How to get as fit and well as possible before an operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pressure ulcers in hospital Pressure sores · Before & After Your Operation
Why pressure sores happen in hospital and what prevents them.
Printable leaflet available.
- Preventing blood clots after surgery Blood clots after an operation · Before & After Your Operation
Why clots happen after surgery, how they are prevented, and the warning signs.
Web information only.
- Prolapse repair Surgery for a prolapse · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Surgery to lift and support the womb, bladder or bowel when they have dropped down.
Printable leaflet available.
- Prostate artery embolisation Shrinking the prostate through a small tube in the artery · Urology
Blocking the blood supply to the prostate to shrink it, without an operation through the water pipe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Prostate biopsy Urology
Taking small samples from the prostate to test for cancer.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Pterygium excision Removing a growth on the white of the eye · Ophthalmology
Removing a fleshy growth that has spread onto the cornea.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Ptosis correction Droopy eyelid surgery · Ophthalmology
Lifting a drooping upper eyelid.
Printable leaflet available.
- Pyloromyotomy Surgery for pyloric stenosis · Paediatric Surgery
Widening the outlet of the stomach in a baby.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
R21 entries
- Radical cystectomy Bladder removal · Urology
Removing the bladder, usually for cancer.
Printable leaflet available.
- Radical hysterectomy Removing the womb for cancer · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing the womb, the neck of the womb and the tissue around it, with lymph nodes, for cancer.
Web information only.
- Radical nephrectomy Kidney removal · Urology
Removing a whole kidney.
Printable leaflet available.
- Radical prostatectomy Removing the prostate for cancer · Urology
Removing the whole prostate gland to treat prostate cancer.
Printable leaflet available.
- Raising a concern or complaint If something goes wrong · Before & After Your Operation
How to raise a concern informally, and how to complain formally.
Printable leaflet available.
- Recovering after an operation Getting back to normal · Before & After Your Operation
Tiredness, washing, keeping moving, eating, and the warning signs to act on.
Web information only.
- Removal of impacted third molars Wisdom tooth removal · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Taking out wisdom teeth that are stuck or causing problems.
Printable leaflet available.
- Removal of metalwork Taking out plates, screws or wires · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing metal that was used to fix a broken bone.
Printable leaflet available.
- Removal of retained lens after cataract surgery Surgery for lens material left behind after a cataract operation · Ophthalmology
Surgery to remove lens material that has dropped into the back of the eye during a cataract operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Removal of salivary gland stone Salivary gland stone removal · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Removing a stone blocking a salivary gland.
Printable leaflet available.
- Retinal detachment repair Detached retina surgery · Ophthalmology
Reattaching the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Printable leaflet available.
- Returning to work after an operation Going back to work · Before & After Your Operation
Fit notes, phased return and amended duties after an operation.
Web information only.
- Reversal of a stoma Having your stoma reversed · Before & After Your Operation
What reversal involves and what bowel function is realistically like afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Revision hip replacement Redo hip replacement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing an artificial hip joint that has worn, loosened or become infected.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Rib fracture fixation Surgery to fix broken ribs · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Fixing broken ribs with plates and screws.
Printable leaflet available.
- Right hemicolectomy Removing the right side of the bowel · General Surgery
Removing the right-hand section of the large bowel.
Printable leaflet available.
- Rigid cystoscopy Bladder camera test (rigid) · Urology
Looking inside the bladder with a rigid telescope, usually under anaesthetic.
Printable leaflet available.
- Risk-reducing mastectomy Surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer · General Surgery
Removing healthy breast tissue from both breasts to lower a high risk of breast cancer, usually with reconstruction at the same time.
Printable leaflet available.
- Risks of anaesthesia How likely are problems with an anaesthetic? · Anaesthesia
How common the different problems after an anaesthetic are, shown as numbers out of 100, 10,000 or 100,000.
Printable leaflet available.
- Rotator cuff repair Shoulder tendon repair · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Repairing torn tendons around the shoulder.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids Banding for piles · General Surgery
Placing small bands around piles so they shrink away.
Printable leaflet available.
S48 entries
- Scar revision Scar revision surgery · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Surgery to improve the appearance of a scar.
Printable leaflet available.
- Scars after surgery Your scar · Before & After Your Operation
How scars change over time, and what helps them settle.
Web information only.
- Scoliosis correction Scoliosis surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Straightening and supporting a curved spine.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sedation Anaesthesia
Medicine that makes you relaxed and drowsy during a procedure.
Printable leaflet available.
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty SLT laser for glaucoma · Ophthalmology
A laser treatment that helps fluid drain from the eye to lower pressure.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy Sentinel node biopsy · General Surgery
Removing the first lymph node or nodes that drain the breast, to check for cancer.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sepsis after an operation Sepsis - when an infection becomes serious · Before & After Your Operation
How to recognise sepsis after an operation and what to do.
Printable leaflet available.
- Septoplasty Straightening the inside of the nose · Ear, Nose & Throat
Straightening the partition inside the nose to improve breathing.
Printable leaflet available.
- Septorhinoplasty Nose reshaping and straightening · Ear, Nose & Throat
Reshaping the nose and straightening the septum.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sex after an operation Sex and closeness after your operation · Before & After Your Operation
When it is safe to have sex again after an operation, and what may feel different.
Printable leaflet available.
- Shared decision making Deciding together whether to have an operation · Before & After Your Operation
The four questions to ask before agreeing to any operation: benefits, risks, alternatives, and what if I do nothing.
Printable leaflet available.
- Shoulder replacement Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing a worn or damaged shoulder joint with an artificial one.
Printable leaflet available.
- Shoulder stabilisation Shoulder stabilising surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Surgery to stop the shoulder dislocating.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Shunt revision Replacing or repairing a brain shunt · Neurosurgery
Repairing or replacing a shunt that has blocked or stopped working.
Printable leaflet available.
- Skin graft Plastic Surgery & Burns
Moving a thin layer of skin from one part of the body to cover a wound.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sleeve resection Removing part of an airway with the lobe · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Taking out a lobe together with a section of airway, and rejoining the ends, so less lung is lost.
Printable leaflet available.
- Smoking and vaping before an operation Smoking before your operation · Before & After Your Operation
What stopping smoking before an operation does for your recovery, and where to get help to stop.
Printable leaflet available.
- Sore throat after an anaesthetic Anaesthesia
A common and usually short-lived side effect of a breathing tube or airway device.
Printable leaflet available.
- Spinal anaesthesia Spinal anaesthetic · Anaesthesia
An injection in the back that numbs the lower half of the body.
Printable leaflet available.
- Spinal cord stimulator insertion Spinal cord stimulator · Neurosurgery
Implanting a device that sends mild electrical signals to the spinal cord to reduce pain.
Printable leaflet available.
- Spinal tumour surgery Neurosurgery
Removing or stabilising a tumour affecting the spine.
Printable leaflet available.
- Stapedectomy Middle ear bone surgery · Ear, Nose & Throat
Replacing a fixed bone in the middle ear to improve hearing.
Printable leaflet available.
- Stapled haemorrhoidopexy Stapled operation for piles · General Surgery
An operation that lifts piles back into place with a circular staple line rather than cutting them out.
Printable leaflet available.
- Staying with someone in hospital Being with someone in hospital · Before & After Your Operation
Whether you can stay with someone having an operation, and what to ask for.
Web information only.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery Gamma Knife treatment · Neurosurgery
Delivering precisely targeted radiation to a small area of the brain, without an incision.
Printable leaflet available.
- Stoma formation (ileostomy or colostomy) Having a stoma · General Surgery
Bringing the bowel to the surface of the tummy so waste collects in a bag.
Printable leaflet available.
- Strabismus surgery Squint surgery · Ophthalmology
Adjusting the muscles that move the eye to correct a squint.
Printable leaflet available.
- Submandibular gland excision Removing a salivary gland under the jaw · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing the salivary gland beneath the jaw.
Printable leaflet available.
- Superior vena cava stenting A stent to relieve pressure in the main vein above the heart · Vascular Surgery
A stent placed in the main vein above the heart when it is squeezed or blocked.
Printable leaflet available.
- Support for carers If you are caring for someone · Before & After Your Operation
Support and rights for someone caring for a person coming out of hospital.
Printable leaflet available.
- Supporting a child through anaesthesia and surgery Helping your child through an operation · Anaesthesia
What to tell a child about an operation, and when to tell them, by age.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery as part of cancer treatment Having an operation for cancer · Before & After Your Operation
What surgery is for in cancer care - diagnosis, staging and treatment.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for a Bartholin’s cyst Treating a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Draining a cyst or abscess at the entrance to the vagina, and stopping it coming back.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for a bleed under the macula Surgery for a submacular haemorrhage · Ophthalmology
An operation to shift a bleed out from under the centre of the retina.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for a dislocated lens implant Repositioning or replacing a lens implant that has moved · Ophthalmology
What is done if the artificial lens put in during cataract surgery moves out of place.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for a molar pregnancy An operation for a molar pregnancy · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An operation to empty the womb when a pregnancy has not formed normally, and the follow-up afterwards.
Web information only.
- Surgery for anal fissure Anal fissure treatment · General Surgery
Treating a tear in the lining of the back passage.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for ectopic pregnancy Surgery for a pregnancy outside the womb · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Keyhole surgery for a pregnancy growing outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for endometriosis Keyhole surgery for endometriosis · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Keyhole surgery to find and remove endometriosis.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for fistula-in-ano Anal fistula surgery · General Surgery
Treating an abnormal tunnel between the bowel and the skin.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for gynaecomastia Male breast reduction · Plastic Surgery & Burns
Reducing enlarged breast tissue in men.
Web information only.
- Surgery for ovarian cancer Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The operation for ovarian cancer, which often involves removing more than the ovaries.
Web information only.
- Surgery for people living with frailty Having an operation when you are frail · Before & After Your Operation
What frailty means for an operation and for recovery afterwards.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgery for stress incontinence Surgery for leaking urine · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Operations to stop urine leaking when you cough, laugh or exercise.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgical clipping of cerebral aneurysm Clipping of a brain aneurysm · Neurosurgery
Placing a clip across the neck of a brain aneurysm.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgical lung biopsy Taking a sample of lung by keyhole surgery · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Taking a piece of lung for testing, usually by keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic.
Web information only.
- Surgical management of miscarriage An operation after a miscarriage · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An operation to empty the womb after a miscarriage, and the alternatives to it.
Printable leaflet available.
- Surgical site infection Infection in your wound · Before & After Your Operation
How wound infection is prevented, and how to spot it once you are home.
Printable leaflet available.
T35 entries
- Taking opioid painkillers at home Strong painkillers after you go home · Before & After Your Operation
Using strong painkillers safely after an operation, and how to stop them.
Printable leaflet available.
- Tarsorrhaphy Partially closing the eyelids · Ophthalmology
Joining part of the upper and lower eyelids to protect the surface of the eye.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Temporal artery biopsy Vascular Surgery
Taking a small sample from the artery at the temple to test for inflammation.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Temporomandibular joint surgery Jaw joint surgery · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgery on the jaw joint in front of the ear.
Printable leaflet available.
- Tendon transfer Tendon transfer surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Moving a working tendon to take over from one that no longer works.
Printable leaflet available.
- Termination of pregnancy Having an abortion · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The ways a pregnancy can be ended, by tablets or by an operation.
Printable leaflet available.
- Thoracic endovascular aortic repair TEVAR - stent for the chest aorta · Vascular Surgery
Lining a widened or torn section of the aorta in the chest using a stent graft.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Thoracic outlet decompression First rib removal for thoracic outlet syndrome · Vascular Surgery
Removing a rib to relieve pressure on the nerves and vessels at the base of the neck.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Thrombolysis for acute limb ischaemia Clot-dissolving treatment for a blocked leg artery · Vascular Surgery
Delivering clot-dissolving medicine directly into a blocked artery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Thymectomy Removing the thymus gland · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing the thymus gland from the front of the chest.
Printable leaflet available.
- Thyroidectomy Thyroid gland surgery · General Surgery
Removing part or all of the thyroid gland in the neck.
Printable leaflet available.
- Toe or ray amputation Toe amputation · Vascular Surgery
Removing a toe, or a toe with part of the bone behind it.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Tonsillectomy Having your tonsils out · Ear, Nose & Throat
Removing the tonsils.
Printable leaflet available.
- Total ankle replacement Ankle replacement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing a worn ankle joint with an artificial one.
Printable leaflet available.
- Total hip replacement Hip replacement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing a worn or damaged hip joint with an artificial one.
Printable leaflet available.
- Total knee replacement Knee replacement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing a worn or damaged knee joint with an artificial one.
Printable leaflet available.
- Trabeculectomy Glaucoma drainage surgery · Ophthalmology
Creating a new drainage channel to lower pressure in the eye.
Printable leaflet available.
- Tracheal resection Removing a narrowed section of windpipe · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing a narrowed part of the windpipe and joining the healthy ends together.
Web information only.
- Trachelectomy Removing the neck of the womb and keeping fertility · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing the neck of the womb for an early cancer, leaving the womb so pregnancy is still possible.
Web information only.
- Tracheostomy Ear, Nose & Throat
Creating an opening in the windpipe to help breathing.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transanal endoscopic microsurgery Removing a rectal growth through the back passage · General Surgery
Taking out an early growth in the rectum through the back passage, with no cut on the tummy.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transcatheter aortic valve implantation TAVI - valve replacement without open surgery · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Replacing the aortic valve using a tube passed through an artery, without opening the chest.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transplant assessment Being assessed for a transplant · Transplant Surgery
The tests and conversations that decide whether a transplant is right for you, and how the waiting list works.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery Pituitary gland surgery through the nose · Neurosurgery
Removing a pituitary tumour through the nose and the sinus behind it.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumour TURBT - bladder tumour removal · Urology
Removing a bladder tumour through the waterpipe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate TURP - prostate operation · Urology
Removing part of an enlarged prostate through the waterpipe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Trapeziectomy Thumb base arthritis surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Removing a small wrist bone to treat arthritis at the base of the thumb.
Printable leaflet available.
- Treatment of endophthalmitis Treatment of infection inside the eye · Ophthalmology
The emergency treatment for an infection inside the eye after surgery or an injection.
Printable leaflet available.
- Treatment of ingrowing eyelashes Treatment for ingrowing eyelashes (trichiasis) · Ophthalmology
The ways ingrowing eyelashes are removed, from plucking to electrolysis and freezing.
Web information only.
- Tricuspid valve surgery Tricuspid valve repair · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Repairing or replacing the tricuspid valve in the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Trigger finger release Trigger finger surgery · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Releasing a tendon that catches as the finger bends.
Printable leaflet available.
- Trochleoplasty Reshaping the groove the kneecap runs in · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Deepening the groove at the end of the thigh bone so the kneecap stays in place.
Printable leaflet available.
- Tube feeding at home Going home with a feeding tube · Before & After Your Operation
Living with a feeding tube at home, and the support you should expect.
Printable leaflet available.
- Tunnelled dialysis catheter insertion Dialysis line · Vascular Surgery
Placing a long-term tube into a large vein so dialysis can be carried out.
Printable leaflet available.
- Turbinate reduction Turbinate surgery for a blocked nose · Ear, Nose & Throat
Reducing swollen tissue inside the nose to improve airflow.
Printable leaflet available.
U10 entries
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy Foam injections for varicose veins · Vascular Surgery
Injecting a foam that closes off a varicose vein.
Printable leaflet available.
- Umbilical and paraumbilical hernia repair Belly button hernia repair · General Surgery
Repairing a hernia at or near the belly button.
Printable leaflet available.
- Umbilical hernia repair (child) Belly button hernia repair in children · Paediatric Surgery
Repairing a hernia at the belly button in a child.
Web information only.
- Unblocking a dialysis fistula Clearing a clotted dialysis fistula · Vascular Surgery
Clearing the clot from a dialysis fistula or graft so it can be used again.
Printable leaflet available.
- Understanding surgical risk Making sense of the risks · Before & After Your Operation
How risk is described, and what the numbers actually mean.
Printable leaflet available.
- Unicompartmental knee replacement Partial knee replacement · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Replacing only the worn part of the knee joint.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ureteric stent insertion or removal Kidney stent · Urology
Placing a soft tube between the kidney and bladder to keep it draining.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ureteroscopy and stone treatment Kidney stone removal by telescope · Urology
Passing a telescope up to the kidney to treat a stone.
Printable leaflet available.
- Urethral dilatation Stretching a narrowed waterpipe · Urology
Widening a narrowed section of the waterpipe.
Printable leaflet available.
- Urethroplasty Repair of the waterpipe · Urology
Surgical repair of a narrowed waterpipe.
Printable leaflet available.
V12 entries
- Varicocele embolisation Treating varicose veins in the scrotum without surgery · Urology
Sealing off the vein that causes a varicocele, using a small tube passed through a vein.
Printable leaflet available.
- Varicose vein treatment Vascular Surgery
Treating enlarged veins in the legs by laser, foam or surgery.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vasectomy Vasectomy (male sterilisation) · Urology
Cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm.
Printable leaflet available.
- Venous leg ulcer treatment Leg ulcer treatment and compression · Vascular Surgery
Treating a leg ulcer, usually with compression bandaging and wound care.
Web information only.
- Ventricular septal defect repair Closing a hole in the heart (VSD) · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Closing a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart.
Printable leaflet available.
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion Brain shunt · Neurosurgery
Placing a tube to drain excess fluid from the brain.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty Cement injection for a crushed spinal bone · Trauma & Orthopaedics
Injecting cement into a collapsed bone in the spine to hold it and ease the pain.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vestibular schwannoma surgery Acoustic neuroma surgery · Neurosurgery
Removing a tumour on the balance and hearing nerve.
No national leaflet. The best available is one hospital’s own.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery Keyhole chest surgery · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Keyhole surgery inside the chest using a camera.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vitrectomy Ophthalmology
Removing the gel inside the eye to treat retinal problems.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vulval biopsy Taking a sample from the vulva · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Taking a small sample of skin from the vulva to find out what is causing a problem.
Printable leaflet available.
- Vulvectomy Surgery to remove part or all of the vulva · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Removing part or all of the vulva, usually for cancer, and rebuilding afterwards.
Web information only.
W4 entries
- Waiting for your operation While you wait for your operation · Before & After Your Operation
How waiting lists work, and how to stay as well as possible while you wait.
Web information only.
- Wedge resection or segmentectomy Removing a small part of the lung · Cardiothoracic Surgery
Removing a small section of lung rather than a whole lobe.
Printable leaflet available.
- What to ask before an operation What to ask, think about and do · Before & After Your Operation
A single booklet covering the whole journey, from the decision through to going home.
Printable leaflet available.
- Wide local excision Breast lump removal (lumpectomy) · General Surgery
Removing a breast lump with a margin of surrounding tissue.
Printable leaflet available.
Y1 entry
- YAG laser capsulotomy Laser to clear cloudiness after cataract surgery · Ophthalmology
A quick laser treatment to clear cloudiness that can form behind a lens implant.
Printable leaflet available.
Browse by specialty
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- Cardiothoracic Surgery37 operations
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