When I consider the types of surgery to perform, I usually go with the most minimally invasive surgery as a first line intervention. A very common example of that would be in the low back. There’s some patients that may ultimately seem like they need a fusion. But there’s a good chance with a minor outpatient procedure you could relieve enough of their symptoms without having to do fairly major surgeries such as putting screws and rods at their back.
When that’s an option I always go with a smaller procedure after a discussion with the patient.