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Procedure vs. Surgery: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters

If your doctor mentions you need “a procedure” or “surgery,” it can bring up a lot of questions. Will it be quick? Will I be awake? Will I need someone to drive me home? Will I need someone to help take care of me? How long will recovery take? And so on. 

These are common concerns, but they all boil down to understanding the key differences between a surgery and a procedure. While both are medical interventions and often used interchangeably, they are not the same—and the distinction really matters.

Knowing these differences can help you be more prepared, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions about your care. Now, let’s get started with a high level overview of the differences between a procedure and surgery, and then we’ll dive into what to expect and how to prepare for whatever procedure is on the horizon for you.

Understanding the Basics 

In general, the term “procedure” refers to a wide range of medical interventions designed to diagnose, treat, or manage health conditions. Within this spectrum of medical interventions, “surgery” represents a specific subset of procedures characterized by operative techniques and the use of instruments that cause alteration of human tissue

More simply put—while all surgeries are procedures, not all procedures qualify as surgery. The differences between procedure vs. surgery can impact:

  • Where They Take Place: Hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor’s office
  • How Invasive They Are: Minor vs. major incisions
  • The Level of Anesthesia Required: Local, moderate sedation, or general anesthesia
  • What Recovery Looks Like: Same-day vs. days or weeks of healing, need for home care post-surgery

Let’s break it down further. 

What is a Procedure?

A procedure is a broad medical term that refers to any intervention performed to diagnose, treat, or manage a health condition. Procedures are often categorized as surgical or non-surgical interventions. The term “surgery” is used for interventions that involve operative techniques and incisions, while the term “procedure” is more often used to describe non-surgical interventions. 

A (non-surgical) procedure does not require large incisions or extensive recovery time. It is less invasive than surgery and typically performed in outpatient settings, such as a doctor’s office, a procedural suite, or an ambulatory care center. Many procedures can be completed in under an hour, with patients often returning home the same day. 

Common Characteristics of Procedures

  • Less Invasive: Involves small incisions (or none at all)
  • Uses Local Anesthesia or Mild Sedation: No need for general anesthesia (meaning you’re awake during the procedure)
  • Short Recovery Time: Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Less chance of infection or significant side effects

Examples of Procedures

Procedures vary widely, from diagnostic tests to major surgical interventions (which we’ll discuss in the “What is Surgery” section below). Some examples of common minimally-invasive procedures include:

  • Diagnostic Procedures: Fine needle biopsies, coloscopies, uroscopies, cardiac catheterization
  • Therapeutic Procedures: Wound suturing, paracentesis, Botox injections, cataract removal, LASIK

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Procedure

Procedures are typically short, with preparation and recovery often taking longer than the procedure itself. Your doctor will explain the steps of the procedure, any necessary preparations, and what you might feel during the procedure. Depending on the type of procedure, you may need to:

  • Fast for a few hours beforehand (no eating or drinking)
  • Take or stop taking certain medications as instructed by your doctor
  • Arrange for a ride home if sedation is used

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll likely be monitored for a short time before you’re cleared to leave. Most people experience little downtime and manage any post-procedure discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. While procedures are generally low risk and recovery is quick, it’s still important to follow aftercare instructions, watch for signs of complications, and attend follow-up appointments as needed. 

What is Surgery?

Surgery is an invasive medical procedure (also called an operation) that involves operative techniques to make incisions and deep tissue manipulation. Unlike most procedures, surgeries are typically performed in a hospital or surgical center and require general or regional anesthesia. Some surgeries are same-day discharges, while others require hospitalization and extensive home care post-surgery.

Common Characteristics of Surgery

  • More Invasive: Requires incisions or internal organ manipulation
  • Performed in a Sterile Operating Room: Requires surgical team and close monitoring
  • Involved General or Regional Anesthesia: Patients are unconscious or thoroughly numbed respectively
  • Longer Recovery Time: May take days or weeks for full healing
  • Higher Risk of Complications: Infection, bleeding, and anesthesia side effects

Examples of Surgery

Surgeries range from minor, elective treatments to complex, life-saving medical treatments. Some examples include:

  • Minor Surgeries: Tonsillectomy, hernia repair, breast augmentation
  • Major Surgeries: Open-heart surgery, organ transplants, joint replacements

What Happens During Surgery

During surgery, you’ll be under the care of a specialized medical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, who will monitor your vital signs (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), administer critical medications, and make sure to keep you safe throughout the treatment. 

Surgery can vary in length, from under an hour to several hours, depending on the complexity. Once the operation is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery area, where nurses and medical staff will continue to closely monitor your breathing, heart rate, and pain levels as the anesthesia wears off. When your team feels you are ready, they will either move you to your next location within the hospital for further monitoring or let you go home.

What to Expect After Surgery

Surgery requires more extensive monitoring than a procedure, both in the hospital and at home. Leaving the hospital after surgery is a major milestone, but it’s often only the beginning of your recovery. Healing can take days, weeks, or even longer. Your healthcare team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself at home, including medication schedules, activity restrictions, and warning signs of complications. 

No two recoveries are the same. Some people bounce back fairly quickly, while others need extra support. Since surgery recovery often takes longer and comes with a higher risk of complications, you’ll likely need extra help at home—especially in the first few days. 

If you don’t have someone who can assist you after surgery, hiring a private nurse for home care post-surgery can provide you with the right support during the most critical stages of recovery. A private nurse can help prevent complications, monitor for early warning signs, and take action before a minor issue becomes a serious problem. Of course, having expert home care post-surgery also provides peace of mind, knowing that your recovery is being overseen by a registered nurse who can keep you safe, comfortable, and on track for healing.

A Side-to-Side Comparison

 ProcedureSurgery
InvasivenessMinimally invasive, often no deep incisionsMore invasive, requires larger incisions and deeper tissue manipulation
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia, mild to moderate sedation, or noneGeneral anesthesia or regional anesthesia (spinal, epidural, nerve block)
SettingOutpatient (doctor’s office, procedural suite, ambulatory center)Hospital or specialized surgical center
Risk of ComplicationsLower risk Higher risk
Recovery TimeHours to a few daysDays to weeks
Post-op Care NeedsMinimal, may need an occasional follow-up appointment More extensive, may require incision care, physical therapy, pain control, or home nursing care 
Assistance Needed at HomeShort-term, may require a ride home if sedated during the procedureLonger-term, may need help with daily activities, incision care, medication management

Making an Informed Decision

The best thing you can do for yourself or your loved one is to fully understand why a procedure or surgery is necessary, what the options are, and what the road to recovery could look like going forward. Your doctor will assess your condition, treatment goals, and possible alternatives before making a recommendation—but don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

Being proactive and having an open conversation with your doctor helps you be prepared—both physically and mentally. Here are some questions to consider asking about your upcoming procedure or surgery:

  • Pre-Procedure or Surgery:
    • Can you explain why I need this treatment in the simplest terms?
    • Are there any alternative treatments I should consider?
    • What happens if I choose to wait or do nothing?
    • What do I need to do to prepare for this treatment?
    • How long does it take?
    • Will I be awake during the treatment?
    • Will I be able to go home the same day, or will I need to stay overnight?
  • Risks and Benefits:
    • What are some potential risks or complications?
    • How often do complications happen with this treatment?
    • What are the benefits, and how soon will I see results?
  • Recovery and Lifestyle Changes:
    • How long will recovery take?
    • Will I need to take time off work or limit physical activity?
    • Are there restrictions on driving, lifting, or daily activities?
    • Will I need assistance at home with daily living activities such as moving around the house or toileting?
    • Will I need assistance with medical needs if I choose to recover at home?
    • What kind of pain should I expect, and how will it be managed at home?

Recover with Confidence: Home Nursing Care in Phoenix for Procedures and Surgery

Understanding the differences between a procedure and surgery will help you better prepare for the road to recovery—but knowing who will help you heal is just as important. Whether you’ve had a minor procedure or a major surgery, the right support can make all the difference in how smoothly and quickly you recover. 

At Navi Nurses, we provide expert home nursing in Phoenix and surrounding areas, giving clients the care they need to heal comfortably at home. From pain control and incision care to mobility support and medication management, Navi Nurses provides excellent home care post-surgery—so you can focus on getting back to your life again sooner.

If you’re looking for home care after surgery that’s personalized, professional, and available on your schedule, Navi Nurses is here to help. Request same-day at-home skilled nursing care in the Phoenix metro area or schedule a check-in with a nurse today by calling (480) 630-0808 or by reaching out here.

About the Author
Picture of Jasmine

Jasmine

Jasmine Bhatti, PhD(c), is the CEO and co-founder of Navi Nurses, a private duty nursing company based in Phoenix. With 14 years of nursing experience—including eight years at Mayo Clinic—Jasmine launched Navi in 2021 to address gaps in conventional care models and provide patient-centered, hospital-level care in the comfort of home. She is currently completing her PhD at Arizona State University and has been honored with the 2024 Healthcare Hero and Female Founder of the Year awards from Phoenix Business Journal, as well as a research grant and scholarship from the American Nurses Foundation.
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