Surgery myths, corrected
Ten things people often believe about surgery that are not true, each with a short, honest answer.
1 / 10
The myth
A drink of olive oil and lemon juice will wash gallstones away.
The truth
There is no good evidence that any drink, flush or cleanse dissolves gallstones.
Why: Gallstones are hard deposits inside the gallbladder. A fatty drink makes the gallbladder squeeze, which can set off an attack of pain.
Be careful: Stones that cause attacks are usually treated by removing the gallbladder. Stones found by chance and causing no trouble are often just watched. Ask your surgeon which applies to you.
2 / 10
The myth
A hernia will go away by itself, or a belt will cure it.
The truth
A hernia in an adult does not heal on its own, and a belt does not repair it.
Why: A hernia is a gap in the muscle wall. A gap does not close without a repair. A belt may ease discomfort but does not fix the gap.
Be careful: A hernia that becomes hard, very painful or cannot be pushed back, with vomiting, needs the emergency room at once. In children, a hernia does not go away by itself.
3 / 10
The myth
If surgeons open a cancer, the air makes it spread.
The truth
Air does not make cancer spread.
Why: Cancer spreads through the body's own blood and lymph channels, not because it meets air during an operation.
Be careful: Delaying a needed operation out of this fear can let the disease grow. Talk through your fears with your surgeon.
4 / 10
The myth
Piles always need an operation, or a cream alone will always cure them.
The truth
Neither is true. Many piles settle with simple steps. Surgery is for some people only.
Why: Softer stools, enough fluids, fibre and not straining help many piles. Clinic procedures can treat others. An operation is kept for piles that do not respond.
Be careful: Bleeding from the back passage should always be checked, especially over the age of 40. Do not assume it is piles.
5 / 10
The myth
After the gallbladder is removed you can never eat fat again.
The truth
Most people return to a normal diet after recovery.
Why: The liver keeps making bile and it flows straight to the gut. Some people have loose stools or bloating for a while, and it usually improves.
Be careful: If loose stools or pain last, tell your doctor. There are treatments, and other causes need to be ruled out.
6 / 10
The myth
A lump that does not hurt is harmless.
The truth
Pain is not a safe guide. Some serious lumps do not hurt at all.
Why: Many harmless lumps are painless, but so are some that need treatment. Only an examination, and sometimes a scan or sample, can tell them apart.
Be careful: Have any new lump checked, especially one that is hard, growing, or has lasted more than about three weeks.
7 / 10
The myth
After an operation you should stay in bed until you are fully healed.
The truth
Gentle walking early, as your team advises, helps recovery.
Why: Moving helps the lungs, the bowels and the circulation, and lowers the risk of blood clots in the legs.
Be careful: Follow the limits your surgeon gives you on lifting and effort. Calf pain or swelling needs to be checked.
8 / 10
The myth
Keyhole surgery is a small, risk-free operation.
The truth
Keyhole surgery is still a real operation, usually under general anaesthesia, and it has risks.
Why: The cuts are small, which often means less pain and faster recovery. The work inside is the same kind of surgery.
Be careful: Sometimes the surgeon has to change to an open operation for safety. This is a decision made to protect you.
9 / 10
The myth
After a sleeve gastrectomy the weight stays off no matter what you do.
The truth
The operation is a tool. Weight can stall or come back without lasting habits and follow-up.
Why: The sleeve makes the stomach smaller but does not change what and how you eat over the years.
Be careful: If your weight stops falling or rises, speak to your team early. There are checks and options that can help.
10 / 10
The myth
Squeezing a boil, cyst or abscess at home gets rid of it.
The truth
Squeezing can push the infection deeper and make it worse.
Why: A boil or abscess is a pocket of infection. Forcing it can spread the infection into the tissue around it.
Be careful: A warm compress may help a small boil. A painful, hot, growing swelling, or one with fever, needs to be seen the same day.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team.