General Surgery
General surgery is a surgical specialty that addresses diseases and injuries in various parts of the body, with a focus on the abdomen, digestive tract, breast, skin, and blood vessels. General surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat these conditions, and they are also involved in managing critically ill patients and trauma victims.
- Abdominal Organs:
General surgeons operate on the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, and bile ducts.
- Digestive Tract:
They address conditions affecting the entire digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
- Skin and Breast:
General surgeons perform surgeries for skin and breast-related issues, including biopsies, tumor removal, and reconstruction.
- Blood Vessels:
They manage diseases and injuries of blood vessels, including aneurysms and vascular access procedures.
- Trauma and Critical Care:
General surgeons are trained to manage critically ill patients and trauma victims, providing surgical interventions and supportive care.
Common Procedures:
- Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder.
- Hernia Repair: Correction of hernias in the abdominal wall.
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: Addressing conditions affecting the large intestine and rectum.
- Thyroid Surgery: Removal or partial removal of the thyroid gland.
- Breast Surgery: Addressing breast cancer and other breast conditions.
- Bowel Resection: Removal of a segment of the small or large intestine.
- Vascular Surgery: Procedures on blood vessels, such as aneurysms, bypass surgery, and vascular access.
- General surgeons can specialize in specific areas, such as oncology, trauma, or minimally invasive surgery.
- Training in general surgery typically lasts for several years, including residency and fellowship programs.
- Laparoscopic surgery, also known as key-hole surgery, is a common technique used by general surgeons, offering advantages such as smaller incisions and faster recovery.
- If you are experiencing abdominal pain, digestive issues, or have a suspected hernia, breast lump, or other concerning condition.
- If you have been injured and require surgical intervention.
- If you need a referral from your primary care physician.
