Operation Say: ah-puh-ray-shun You've probably played the game Operation with your friends and family, but when someone you care about is getting a real operation, it can be scary. An operation is also called surgery, and it's when doctors fix something inside the body to make the person feel better. The doctor may take out a burst appendix, close up a hole in the heart, or even put in a new kidney! The good part about surgery is that it usually means the person is on the road to feeling better. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.