<p>There are many reasons to have surgery. Some operations can relieve or prevent pain. Others can reduce a symptom of a problem or improve some body function. Some surgeries are done to find a problem. For example, a surgeon may do a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/biopsy.html">biopsy</a>, which involves removing a piece of tissue to examine under a microscope. Some surgeries, like <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/heartsurgery.html">heart surgery</a>, can save your life.</p> <p>Some operations that once needed large incisions (cuts in the body) can now be done using much smaller cuts. This is called laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons insert a thin tube with a camera to see, and use small tools to do the surgery.</p> <p><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/aftersurgery.html">After surgery</a> there can be a risk of complications, including infection, too much bleeding, reaction to <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/anesthesia.html">anesthesia</a>, or accidental injury. There is almost always some pain with surgery.</p> <p class="">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality</p>