diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/surgery_step.dm b/code/modules/surgery/surgery_step.dm
index 01bd4a1841..577dc6547b 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/surgery_step.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/surgery_step.dm
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 				return 1	//returns 1 so we don't stab the guy in the dick or wherever.
 
 	if(repeatable)
-		var/datum/surgery/next_step = surgery.get_surgery_next_step()
+		var/datum/surgery_step/next_step = surgery.get_surgery_next_step()
 		if(next_step)
 			surgery.status++
 			if(next_step.try_op(user, target, user.zone_selected, user.get_active_held_item(), surgery))