routine surgery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "routine surgery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of surgery that is not considered to be complex or difficult. For example, "The doctor performed routine surgery to remove the tumor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, Homme suffered complications during routine surgery on his knee in autumn 2011, later telling journalists he almost died.

The Guardian - Music

We only got big falls in waiting times after introducing competition for routine surgery.

The Guardian

A subsequent knee injury required routine surgery she could not afford.

The Guardian

He said the academy would probably stop short of recommending routine surgery, however.

The New York Times - Health

In 50 years, computers might be doing everything from driving taxis to performing routine surgery.

The Guardian - Opinion

A clinical trial of the device failed to show that it worked any better than routine surgery.

The New York Times - Health

A pair of New York City medical examiners investigate a series of hospital deaths following routine surgery.

The New York Times

(The team perfected the test by boiling human flesh, removed during routine surgery, in modern saucepans).

The Economist

Even routine surgery such as an appendectomy costs around £7,500 in Europe, according to insurer esure, increasing to £25,000 in some parts of America.

The Guardian - Money

If a surgical product was contaminated and distributed nationally, Mr. Ferguson said, "you'd expect more cases of sudden unexplained deaths after routine surgery".

The New York Times

Research indicates that routine surgery and chemotherapy may become all but impossible unless action is taken to halt the waning effect of antibiotics.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical procedures with patients, use "routine surgery" to clearly communicate that the operation is standard and not highly complex, helping to alleviate anxiety.

Common error

Avoid implying that "routine surgery" is entirely without risk. While the term suggests a standard procedure, it's crucial to acknowledge potential complications during patient consultations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine surgery" functions as a noun phrase, where "routine" modifies the noun "surgery". It describes a type of surgical procedure that is considered standard, common, and low-risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "routine surgery" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to describe standard and uncomplicated surgical procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its common occurrence across various sources. While implying a lower risk, it's essential to avoid oversimplifying the inherent risks of any surgical intervention. Alternatives like "standard surgical procedure" or "common surgical operation" can be used for variety. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for most contexts, although more technical synonyms might be preferred in scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard surgical procedure

Focuses on the standardization of the procedure.

common surgical operation

Emphasizes the frequency of the surgical event.

typical surgical intervention

Highlights the representativeness of the intervention.

ordinary surgical process

Underscores the ordinariness and lack of complexity.

everyday surgical practice

Suggests the frequency and normalcy within medical practice.

minor operation

Highlights the less invasive nature of the surgery.

simple procedure

Focuses on the simplicity of the medical task.

low-risk surgery

Emphasizes the minimal risks involved.

non-complex surgery

Directly states the lack of complexity.

basic surgical care

Highlights the fundamental aspect of surgical care.

FAQs

How is "routine surgery" typically used in a sentence?

You'll often see "routine surgery" used to describe procedures considered standard and low-risk. For example, "The patient is scheduled for "routine surgery" to remove a benign tumor".

What are some alternatives to "routine surgery"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "standard surgical procedure", "common surgical operation", or "simple procedure".

Is "routine surgery" always safe?

While "routine surgery" implies a lower risk compared to complex operations, it is crucial to remember that all surgeries carry some degree of risk. It's important to discuss potential complications with a healthcare professional.

What factors determine if a surgery is considered "routine"?

Factors include the frequency of the procedure, the established protocols, the predictability of outcomes, and the generally lower risk of complications. A surgery is "routine" when it follows well-defined steps and is performed frequently.