J.G. - I've had a nice portion of my miniscus taken out of the inside/front part of my left knee. Felt better right away to get that flap of torn miniscus out of there. Yes, I had it drained a couple times afterward, but I was on a plane to Alaska 2 days later, fishing on the banks of the kenai and with Bob for the next few days, out on the ocean for Halibut, then back on the banks of river again. Ditching the crutches by the time I was heading home. Running and water-skiing 2 weeks later. Easy surgery. BUT, a complete removal of the whole miniscus would be a bigger deal, must be torn or worn in several places, replacement will be your friend soon I suspect if that is the case.