What type of surgery seeks to address immediate problems caused by illness rather than to cure it?

Palliative surgery is specifically designed to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients who are experiencing serious illness, rather than to eliminate the disease itself. This type of surgery focuses on relieving pain or obstruction and managing distressing symptoms without necessarily aiming to cure the underlying condition. For instance, in cancer care, palliative surgery may involve procedures to remove a tumor that is causing pain or to relieve pressure from an obstructed organ, thus helping the patient to feel more comfortable during treatment.

In contrast, curative surgery aims to completely remove the tumor or affected tissue to eliminate the disease. Preventative surgery is performed to reduce the risk of developing a disease, while reconstructive surgery is intended to restore appearance or function after an injury or prior surgery. Each of these other types of surgery has a different primary goal, highlighting the unique role that palliative surgery plays in the overall care of patients with serious illnesses.