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What is General Surgery?

General surgery is a medical speciality that involves the diagnosis, treatment and management of surgical conditions affecting different organs in the body. It encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures and is not limited to one particular organ system. General surgeons perform surgeries on the abdomen, breast, skin and soft tissues. They also perform surgeries related to the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

Who is a General Surgeon?

A general surgeon is a specialist trained to perform surgical procedures on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, breast, skin, and soft tissue, among others. They are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating surgical conditions affecting different organs and systems in the body. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

To become a general surgeon, individuals must complete an undergraduate degree in a health-related field. After completing their undergraduate studies, they must attend medical school for an additional four years. Following medical school, aspiring general surgeons complete a surgical residency programme that lasts between five and seven years.

When Should You Consult a General Surgeon?

You should consider consulting a general surgeon if you’re experiencing any symptoms that suggest you may need surgery. These symptoms can include pain, swelling, or any unusual growths or lumps. If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgical intervention, your primary care doctor may refer you to a surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

What Medical Conditions Do General Surgeons Treat?

Some common general surgery treatments include:

• Appendicitis: Appendectomy surgery is performed to remove the appendix when inflammation or infection occurs.
• Hernias: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernia repair surgery is performed to correct this issue.
• Gallbladder Issues: Gallbladder surgery, known as cholecystectomy, is performed to remove the gallbladder when it becomes inflamed or infected.
• Cancer: Surgery to remove tumours or cancerous tissue in various parts of the body, including the breast, digestive system and skin is performed.
• Trauma: General surgeons are often called upon to treat patients who have experienced traumatic injuries, including broken bones and internal injuries.

What Are the Different Types of Procedures Conducted by General Surgeons?

Some of the common procedures include:

• Laparoscopic surgery: This involves using a small camera where instruments are inserted through small incisions in the body to perform surgery.
• Endoscopy: This involves using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to examine and treat conditions in the digestive system.
• Colonoscopy: This is a procedure used to examine the inside of the colon for abnormalities or growths.
• Breast surgery: This involves removing tumours or performing mastectomies for breast cancer treatment.
• Hernia repair: This involves repairing tears or weaknesses in the abdominal wall.
• Gallbladder removal: This involves removing the gallbladder when it becomes inflamed or infected.
• Appendectomy: This involves removing the appendix when it becomes inflamed or infected.

How Can I Consult a General Surgeon?

You can consult a general surgeon by first making an appointment with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a specialist if needed. You can also look up a list of local surgeons in your area and schedule an appointment directly through Apollo 24/7 app or website. Before your appointment, make sure to compile a list of questions and concerns you may have about your condition and write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

The Role of General Surgeons in Healthcare

General surgeons play an important role in healthcare by providing surgical intervention for various medical conditions affecting different parts of the body. They work closely with other healthcare professionals like primary care doctors, oncologists and radiologists to provide comprehensive care for their patients. At Apollo 24|7, we have a set of skilled general surgeons. They use their specialised skills and knowledge to diagnose, treat and manage surgical conditions, providing optimal health outcomes for their patients. Consult a general surgeon today to get the care you need.