General Surgery

Surgery on the abdominal organs, such as the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and appendix, is the focus of the medical speciality known as general surgery. It also encompasses surgeries related to the breasts, skin, soft tissues, and specific vascular and endocrine systems. A wide variety of surgical diseases can be diagnosed, treated, and managed by general surgeons.

Scope of General Surgery

The scope of general surgery is broad and includes planned and emergency procedures. The former are prearranged and frequently include non-life-threatening diseases that require surgical intervention to enhance the patient^s quality of life or treat a particular medical condition. On the other hand, the latter are carried out quickly to treat life-threatening problems and demand rapid surgical intervention to save a patient^s life or avoid serious complications.

Common conditions and diseases treated by general surgeons include:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical removal.

• Hernias: Abnormal protrusions of organs or tissues through weak spots in the abdominal wall, often repaired surgically.

• Gallbladder diseases: Conditions like gallstones or gallbladder inflammation may require surgical removal (cholecystectomy).

• Gastrointestinal conditions: General surgeons can address conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, and bowel obstructions.

• Colorectal conditions: Surgeons manage colorectal cancer, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Breast diseases: General surgeons are involved in diagnosing and treating breast cancer, as well as performing procedures like lumpectomy or mastectomy.

• Skin and soft tissue conditions: Surgeons can remove skin lesions, perform skin grafts, manage abscesses or infections, and address traumatic injuries.

• Endocrine conditions: Surgery for diseases involving the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and other endocrine organs may be performed by general surgeons.