• further explore the condition for the purpose of diagnosis
  
  
• take a biopsy of a suspicious lump
  
  
• remove diseased tissues or organs
  
  
• remove an obstruction
  
  
• reposition structures to their normal position
  
  
• redirect channels
  
  
• transplant tissue or whole organs
  
  
• implant mechanical or electronic devices
  
  
• improve physical appearance
  
  
• repair an area that has been injured or affected by trauma, overuse, or disease
  
  
• restore proper function
  
  
• relieve pain

Many Americans face surgery every year, both elective and in cases of emergency.

When facing surgery, patients should expect to go through several phases:

• surgical diagnosis
  Surgical diagnosis is made after medical tests and evaluations reveal a condition requiring surgery.

• preoperative management
  The preoperative management phase begins from the time surgery is decided to the point when the patient is brought to the operating room.

• intraoperative care
  The intraoperative care phase lasts from the time the patient enters the operating room to when the patient goes to the recovery room.

• postoperative management
  The postoperative management phase lasts from entry to the recovery room until follow-up clinical evaluation.