What type of surgery is described as not being immediately necessary?

Elective surgery is defined as procedures that are not immediately necessary for the patient's health and can be scheduled in advance. This type of surgery allows patients and healthcare providers to plan for the procedure, considering the patient's preferences and timing.

In contrast, emergency surgery is performed to address urgent medical conditions that require immediate attention, such as traumatic injuries or life-threatening situations. Urgent surgery also requires timely intervention but is not an immediate emergency and can often be performed in a short time frame. Preventive surgery aims to reduce the risk of future health problems, and while it can be important, it is still not considered immediately necessary in the same way that elective surgeries are planned and scheduled well in advance. Thus, the distinction of electiveness is what makes the answer clear.