Planned surgery waiting times by surgery
Pick a surgery to see the national figures, each state and territory, and the public hospitals that report a waiting time for it.
Hospital counts are for 2024–25. The data was released on 19 August 2026.
Urgency categories
Your treating specialist gives you an urgency category. You do not choose it. Category 1 is recommended within 30 days, category 2 within 90 days and category 3 within 365 days.
- Category 1, urgent
259 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Category 2, semi-urgent
259 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Category 3, non-urgent
259 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
Surgery by procedure
Each procedure is one kind of operation. The list is in name order.
- ACL reconstruction
150 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Adenoid removal
121 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Anal fissure repair
132 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Aortic aneurysm repair
47 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Armpit lymph node removal
77 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bartholin's abscess drainage
80 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bartholin's cyst - removal of
51 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bladder leakage surgery
52 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bladder neck incision
66 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bladder removal
86 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bladder scope (cystoscopy)
156 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bone realignment surgery
128 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bony lump removal
69 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Brain surgery through the skull (craniotomy)
36 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Branchial apparatus remnant - removal of
24 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Breast implant removal
101 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Breast lump removal
147 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Breast reconstruction
79 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Breast reduction
88 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Breast removal
126 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Bunion surgery
102 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Carotid artery plaque removal
49 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Carpal tunnel surgery
204 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cataract surgery
143 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cerebral haematoma - evacuation of
14 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cervix cone biopsy
100 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Chalazion - excision of
23 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Chiari malformation decompression
10 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Circumcision
181 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cleft lip and palate repair
35 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Congenital cardiac defect/s - procedure for
15 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Congenital pulmonary lesion - removal of
2 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cornea transplant
27 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Cranioplasty
31 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Curettage and evacuation of uterus
149 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy
51 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Dermoid cyst - removal of
64 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Deviated septum surgery
120 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Dialysis access surgery
118 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Diathermy of wart/s
54 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Dilatation and curettage
175 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Droopy eyelid repair
71 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Dupuytren's contracture surgery
154 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Eardrum drainage
129 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Eardrum repair
115 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Epididymal cyst - removal of
128 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ethmoidectomy
20 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Examination of eye under anaesthesia
44 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Excess eyelid skin removal
81 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Female sterilisation
140 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Femoro-popliteal bypass graft
44 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Gallbladder removal
199 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ganglion cyst removal
170 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Glaucoma drainage surgery
55 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Grommets
107 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Haemorrhoid surgery
204 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hammer/claw/mallet toe - correction of
76 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Heart bypass surgery
27 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Heart valve replacement
29 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hernia repair
221 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hiatus hernia repair
88 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hip replacement
134 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hydrocele surgery
168 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hypospadias - repair of
33 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Hysterectomy
164 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Inguinal hernia repair
217 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Insertion of ventricular peritoneal shunt
34 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Joint fusion surgery
122 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Joint replacement revision
102 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Keyhole belly surgery (laparoscopy)
196 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Keyhole joint surgery
177 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Keyhole sinus surgery
98 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Kidney drainage blockage repair
66 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Kidney drainage stent insertion
89 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Kidney removal
78 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Knee replacement
134 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Large bowel surgery (colectomy)
121 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Laryngectomy
29 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Limb amputation
76 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- LLETZ procedure
168 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Lobectomy/wedge resection/pneumonectomy
47 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Lymphangioma - surgery for
9 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Major neck lymph node surgery
44 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Mastoid surgery behind the ear
74 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Meatoplasty
39 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Muscle biopsy/temporal artery biopsy
59 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Muscle or tendon length - change of
72 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Myomectomy
78 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Myringotomy (without insertion of grommets)
76 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Nasal cautery
41 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Nasal polypectomy
45 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Neck disc removal and fusion
26 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Neonatal surgery
2 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Nerve decompression of spinal cord
5 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Nose and throat scope
53 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Out-turned eyelid repair
100 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Outer knee nerve release
31 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ovary and fallopian tube surgery
160 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Parathyroid gland removal
96 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pectus surgery
13 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pedicle screw fusion
9 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pharyngoplasty
14 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pharynx - excision of
9 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pleurodesis
28 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Posterior fossa decompression
9 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Probing of naso-lacrimal duct
32 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Prolapse repair
146 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Prostate biopsy
112 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Prostate surgery
117 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pterygium (eye growth) removal
103 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Pyogenic granuloma - removal of
19 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Reflux surgery
88 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Removal of intracranial lesion
18 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Replacement of aortic aneurysm with bifurcation graft
10 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Retina surgery
46 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Rhinoplasty
70 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Rotator cuff repair
127 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Salivary gland removal
98 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Scar revision
116 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Shock wave stone treatment
84 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Shoulder decompression surgery
106 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Shoulder joint replacement
125 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Shoulder reconstruction
98 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Skin lesion removal
235 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Spinal bone removal (laminectomy)
34 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Spinal disc removal
42 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Squint surgery
59 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Stapedectomy
38 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Sub-mucosal resection
24 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Tailbone cyst surgery
143 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Tendon release
125 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Tenotomy of hip
17 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Testicle removal
115 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Thyroglossal remnant - removal of
58 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Thyroid gland removal
115 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Toenail surgery
192 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Tongue-tie or lip-tie surgery
74 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Tonsillectomy
133 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Torn knee cartilage removal
90 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Trapped nerve release (other nerves)
79 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Trigger finger release
161 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Turbinate surgery (inside the nose)
91 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Undescended testicle surgery
85 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Unhealed fracture repair
106 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Untethering of spinal cord
10 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ureter reconnection surgery
32 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Urinary stone removal
72 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Urine passage widening
71 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Varicose vein surgery
101 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Voice box scope surgery
76 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Womb lining removal (endometrial ablation)
103 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
Surgery by specialty
Each specialty groups many operations. Its figures describe all the patients treated under the specialty, and say nothing about one operation.
- Cardio-thoracic surgery
51 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ear, nose and throat surgery
152 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- General surgery
243 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Gynaecology
205 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Neurosurgery
43 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Ophthalmology
144 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Orthopaedic surgery
184 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Other surgery
147 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Paediatric surgery
77 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Plastic surgery
117 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Urology
155 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
- Vascular surgery
97 public hospitals report it. Figures for 2024–25.
What this page leaves out
Private hospitals are excluded. This page covers public hospitals only, so it shows no private hospital.
Before you use these figures
Surgery Waits is not medical advice. Your general practitioner and your treating specialist can help you decide what is right for you.
In an emergency, call 000.
Where this data comes from
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and urgency category, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and intended procedure, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-procedure/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and surgical specialty, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-specialty/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Hospitals, Local Hospital Networks and Primary Health Networks in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, mapping details extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-hospitals-myhospitals/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reported measures and their codes in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reported measures, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reported-measures/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit mappings to health networks and states in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-unit-mappings/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit codes and alternative names in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-units/v/2026-10-27/