Nonoperative (adjective)

Not involving or requiring surgery.

Origin:

Late 19th century: non- + operative.

Examples:

1. The nonoperative treatment for the patient's back pain was a course of physical therapy.
2. The nonoperative approach to the patient's torn ligament was a combination of rest, ice and pain medication.
3. The nonoperative management of the patient's broken bone was a cast and crutches.
4. The nonoperative method of treating the patient's hernia was a truss.
5. The nonoperative technique for repairing the patient's torn muscle was a program of rehabilitation exercises.