General Surgery

General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs such as the intestines, esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and bile ducts, as well as surgical procedures involving the breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system. General surgeons are trained to manage a wide range of surgical conditions and may also work collaboratively with other specialists in areas like oncology, trauma surgery, and critical care.

Some common procedures performed by general surgeons include:

1. Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix, usually due to appendicitis.
2. Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder, often performed due to gallstones or inflammation.
3. Hernia repair: Correction of a hernia, which is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
4. Bowel resection: Surgical removal of a portion of the intestine, often necessary for conditions like bowel obstruction or cancer.
5. Breast surgery: Procedures such as lumpectomy (removal of a breast lump) or mastectomy (removal of the breast) for breast cancer treatment.
6. Thyroidectomy: Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, typically for thyroid cancer or thyroid disorders.
7. Skin lesion excision: Removal of skin lesions, tumors, or cysts for diagnostic or cosmetic reasons.
8. Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum or anus.

General surgeons undergo extensive training that includes medical school, residency, and often fellowship training in specific subspecialties such as colorectal surgery, vascular surgery, or surgical oncology. They play a vital role in diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide variety of surgical conditions, both elective and emergent.