How does optional surgery differ from elective surgery?

Optional surgery is characterized as being patient-directed based on individual preference. It is a type of surgery that the patient may choose to undergo, but it is not medically necessary for immediate health reasons. This means that the patient has the autonomy to decide whether or not to proceed with the surgery, often considering personal circumstances, quality of life improvements, or elective cosmetic enhancements.

In contrast to elective surgery, which can refer to operations that are not emergency procedures but may be necessary at some point for health reasons, optional surgery emphasizes the patient's choice rather than a pressing medical need. Therefore, it embodies a sense of autonomy in the decision-making process regarding surgical intervention, distinguishing it from other categories of surgery that may entail different levels of urgency or necessity.