Which surgery is NOT considered curative?

The surgery that is not considered curative is palliative surgery. Palliative surgery is performed to relieve symptoms or improve the quality of life for patients who have incurable conditions. Its goal is not to eliminate the disease but to alleviate suffering caused by it, such as controlling pain and managing complications. Palliative procedures may involve debulking a tumor to relieve pressure or inserting devices to help with bodily functions but do not aim to eradicate the underlying disease.

On the other hand, ablative surgeries involve removing diseased tissue or organs and are intended to cure the patient of their illness. Exploratory surgeries are performed to diagnose a condition by allowing the surgeon to visually inspect the internal structures, often leading to curative interventions. Reconstructive surgeries aim to restore form and function after injury or illness and can also be curative in nature, depending on the specific situation. Thus, palliative surgery stands out as distinctly non-curative.