nonoperable

Nonoperable, also written non-operable, is an adjective describing something that cannot be operated on or is not suitable for operation. It is used across fields, but it is most common in medical contexts to describe conditions or tissues that cannot be safely or effectively removed by surgery. The term is often contrasted with operable and unresectable; operable indicates suitability for operation, while unresectable refers to tumors or conditions that cannot be removed due to extent or involvement of critical structures.

In medicine, nonoperable or non-surgical often arises from factors that make surgery high risk or impractical. Reasons include invasion of vital vessels or organs, extensive metastasis, poor patient performance status, or unacceptable risks outweighing potential benefits. The designation may influence treatment planning, guiding doctors toward non-surgical options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, or palliative care. In some cases, advances in techniques or patient condition can convert a nonoperable case to operable, though this is not guaranteed.

Outside medicine, nonoperable can describe equipment, devices, or systems that cannot be operated or started, due to design limitations, damage, or procedural restrictions. In engineering or maintenance contexts, it may indicate components that are out of service or nonfunctional.

The term’s precise meaning can vary by field and region, and it is sometimes used interchangeably with inoperable or unresectable. Understanding the context is essential to determine whether nonoperable denotes a decision against surgery, a technical limitation, or a clinical assessment of feasibility.