Elective surgery is a type of surgery that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency. It is different from urgent or emergency surgery, which is done because of an urgent medical condition that may even be life-threatening. Elective surgeries can include cosmetic procedures like removing a mole or a wart, but they can also include more serious conditions like hernia surgery, removing kidney stones or an appendix, and hip replacements. Elective surgeries are important procedures that patients need, but they dont have to be done right away. Elective surgeries are vital to a patient’s health and well-being, and they give doctors the opportunity to work with patients to improve their overall health. While elective surgeries are done "electively," theyre often important and potentially life-changing operations.