What is the most common major surgery?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Medical Association, a cesarean section is the most common major surgery performed in the United States. However, other procedures like appendectomies and gallbladder removals also rank highly when considering what is the most common major surgery, with the answer sometimes varying by country.

Quick Summary

The most common major surgery worldwide is the cesarean section (C-section), a life-saving procedure to deliver a baby when vaginal birth is unsafe or not possible. Its high frequency is a result of advanced maternal care and evolving obstetric practices globally.

Key Points

Cesarean Section is the Most Common: Globally and in many countries, the C-section is the most frequent major surgical procedure.
Appendectomies are Common Emergencies: The surgical removal of the appendix is a highly common emergency surgery to treat appendicitis.
Elective and Necessary Surgeries Exist: Common major surgeries range from elective procedures like joint replacements to emergency interventions such as appendectomies.
Definition of Major Surgery: A major surgery is typically an extensive procedure requiring general anesthesia, carrying a higher risk, and involving a longer recovery time.
Minimally Invasive Techniques are Growing: Procedures like laparoscopic appendectomies and cholecystectomies are becoming more common, offering faster recovery times.
Statistics Vary by Region: The specific rank of common surgeries changes based on location, population demographics, and data reporting methods.

Understanding Major vs. Minor Surgery

Before diving into the most common major surgeries, it is crucial to understand the distinction between a major and minor procedure. A major surgery is typically an extensive and invasive operation, often involving entering a body cavity, and is usually performed under general anesthesia, requiring a hospital stay. These procedures carry higher risks and require longer recovery periods. In contrast, minor surgeries are less invasive, carry lower risks, and are often performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

The Cesarean Section: A Global Leader

Around the world, and specifically in many countries like the United States, the cesarean section is consistently identified as the most common major surgical procedure. This delivery method involves making an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver a baby safely. The reasons for its high frequency are complex and varied:

Maternal and Fetal Safety: A C-section can be a life-saving intervention for both mother and baby in cases of difficult labor, fetal distress, or specific maternal health conditions.
Evolving Obstetric Practices: Changes in medical practices, including increased monitoring and risk assessment, have led to a higher rate of C-sections to ensure positive outcomes.
Maternal Age: With women having babies later in life, some complicated pregnancies may necessitate surgical intervention.
Patient Choice and Elective Procedures: In some cases, C-sections are performed electively, though many are due to medical necessity or risk factors.

While the C-section is a major surgery, medical advancements have significantly improved the safety and recovery process for millions of women annually.

Other Highly Common Major Surgeries

While the C-section is a leading contender, other major surgeries are also performed with high frequency globally. These procedures vary based on factors like age, country, and prevailing health issues.

Appendectomy

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, most often performed urgently to treat appendicitis—an inflammation of the appendix. It is one of the most common emergency surgeries, with over a quarter-million performed each year in the U.S. alone. The procedure can be done via traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which often allows for faster recovery.

Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)

A cholecystectomy is a major surgery to remove the gallbladder, most often performed to treat painful gallstones or gallbladder disease. With millions performed each year, it is another highly frequent major procedure. Like appendectomies, many gallbladder removals are now done laparoscopically, though open surgery is sometimes necessary.

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacements, particularly of the knee and hip, are among the most common major orthopedic surgeries. They address severe joint pain and mobility issues caused by arthritis, injury, or wear and tear. These procedures involve removing a damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic one to improve quality of life.

Hernia Repair

Hernia repair surgery is another frequent major procedure, reinforcing weakened abdominal muscle walls that allow an organ or tissue to bulge through. It is performed to relieve discomfort and prevent complications like strangulation.

Global vs. Local: The Numbers Game

The statistics on the most common major surgery can vary depending on whether the data is global or regional. For instance, in some countries with higher birth rates, the C-section rate may dominate surgical statistics. In other areas with aging populations, joint replacements may appear more frequently in lists of common procedures. Different data collection methods also affect which procedures appear on national health agency reports.


Surgical Procedure	Common Reason for Surgery	Typical Approach	Commonality Factors
Cesarean Section	Unsafe vaginal delivery, fetal distress	Abdominal incision	Birth rates, obstetric practices
Appendectomy	Appendicitis (infection/inflammation)	Laparoscopic or open	Emergency care access, population demographics
Cholecystectomy	Gallstones or gallbladder disease	Laparoscopic or open	Diet, population health trends
Joint Replacement	Arthritis, injury, wear and tear	Open surgery, prosthetics	Aging population, lifestyle
Hernia Repair	Weak abdominal wall, organ protrusion	Laparoscopic or open	Genetics, physical strain

Preparing for Your Major Surgery

For any patient facing a major surgery, understanding what to expect is key. Thorough preparation is essential for a successful outcome and smoother recovery. This includes:

Preoperative tests: Blood work, imaging, and other diagnostic tests to assess overall health.
Consultations: Discussing the procedure with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Following instructions: Adhering to guidelines for fasting, medication adjustments, and other pre-op preparations.
Planning for recovery: Arranging for assistance with transportation and at-home care after discharge.

Following these steps can significantly improve a patient's experience and aid in a faster, safer recovery. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your procedure.

Conclusion: More Than Just Statistics

While the cesarean section stands out as a top contender for the most common major surgery globally, it is important to recognize the wide range of other high-frequency procedures that address serious health issues, from appendicitis to debilitating arthritis. The specific answer to what is the most common major surgery can shift depending on how and where the data is collected, but the overarching trend highlights the incredible volume of life-saving and quality-of-life-enhancing operations performed every year. Continued medical advances, particularly in minimally invasive techniques, are making many of these common major surgeries safer and recovery faster than ever before. For further reading on surgical trends and specific procedures, visit the American College of Surgeons' website.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A major surgery is typically defined as an extensive, invasive procedure that involves entering a body cavity, addressing vital tissues or organs, and is performed under general anesthesia. It carries a higher risk of complications and requires a longer recovery period, often involving an overnight hospital stay.

While it is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures overall, cataract surgery is generally not considered a 'major' surgery because it is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and carries a low risk. The definition of major surgery usually applies to more complex, higher-risk procedures.

The C-section is often cited as the most common major surgery due to the high volume performed annually, particularly in the United States and globally. Factors contributing to this include maternal and fetal safety considerations, evolving medical practices, and an increase in pregnancies with complicating factors.

The most common emergency major surgery is often an appendectomy, the removal of an inflamed appendix. This is a time-sensitive procedure to prevent the appendix from rupturing, which could lead to severe complications.

Yes, joint replacements, such as knee and hip replacements, are considered major surgeries. They are extensive orthopedic procedures that involve general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a long recovery period.

No, not always. While many minor surgeries are minimally invasive, some major surgeries are now performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery. A procedure's invasiveness is just one factor; the complexity, risk, and impact on vital organs are also considered.

The specific rank of the most common major surgery can differ based on factors like geographic location (country vs. worldwide), the time period studied, and data collection methods. For example, some reports might count a specific type of surgery, while others group procedures more broadly.