Description

General surgery is a surgical specialty focused on a broad range of surgical procedures, primarily dealing with the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin, and blood vessels. General surgeons are also involved in treating trauma, critically ill patients, and some pediatric and cancer cases. They are trained in both open and minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopy and laparoscopy. Key areas of focus for general surgeons include: Abdomen and its contents: This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Breast, skin, and soft tissues: General surgeons treat conditions like breast tumors, hernias, and other skin and soft tissue abnormalities. Endocrine system: This includes the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and endocrine pancreas. Vascular system: Excluding intracranial vessels and the heart, general surgeons handle issues with blood vessels. Trauma and critical care: They manage patients with injuries and those in critical condition. Surgical oncology: General surgeons are involved in the coordinated management of cancer patients, including screening, surgical treatment, and follow-up. Common procedures performed by general surgeons include: Hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, ventral) Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) Appendectomy Colon surgery (including colonoscopies and colon cancer screenings) Breast surgery (biopsies, mastectomies) Thyroid and parathyroid surgery Various laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures Wound care and management of infections General surgeons play a vital role in: Diagnosis: They evaluate patients, order appropriate tests, and determine the need for surgery. Preoperative care: They prepare patients for surgery, ensuring they are medically optimized. Surgical procedures: They perform a wide range of operations, utilizing both traditional and minimally invasive techniques. Postoperative care: They manage patients after surgery, monitoring for complications and ensuring proper recovery.