General surgery, despite the name, is actually a surgical specialty. General surgeons not only perform surgeries for a wide range of common ailments, but are also responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgery. All surgeons must start their training in general surgery; many then go on to focus on another specialty.

What is General Surgery?

General surgery is a medical discipline that involves performing various types of surgical procedures to treat a broad range of health problems and diseases.

In general surgery, the surgeon is expected to perform both pre- and post-operative care and management other than the surgery itself. General surgeons can diagnose several types of diseases, especially those that are related to the abdomen and the organs connected to it. These include bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, appendix, small and large intestine, rectum, and the stomach. The surgeon may also operate the thoracic region, glands in the thyroids, and hernias. To a certain extent, general surgeons are also responsible for procedures performed on the skin and the breast.

When to see a General Surgeon?

Patients may encounter general surgeons if:

  • They have been referred by thier doctor
  • Surgical procedures needed are within the scope of the general surgeons
  • Patients need to undergo weight loss surgery
  • The patients require emergency care
  • The patients need both pre- and post-surgical care
  • Minimally invasive surgeries are recommended

What Is Included in General Surgery?

According to the American Board of Surgery, general surgeons are trained to operate on the:

  • Alimentary Tract (esophagus and related organs)
  • Abdomen and its Contents
  • Breast, Skin and Soft Tissue
  • Endocrine System

In addition, general surgeons are expected to have knowledge and experience in:

  • Surgical Critical Care
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Trauma

Despite the term "general", surgeons that practice general surgery are highly skilled surgeons that typically operate on common abdominal complaints including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder surgeries, stomach and intestinal issues. This focus on the abdomen is not absolute, as general surgeons may specialize in a type of surgery, such as treating cancer or burns, that requires the surgeon to be able to perform procedures on multiple areas of the body.

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