General Surgery

Overview

General Surgery is a surgical specialty dealing with body parts mainly abdominal

contents, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver,

pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and bile ducts, and often with the thyroid gland. ,

our skilled general surgeons offer teleconsultations regarding comprehensive

surgical care for a myriad of diseases using traditional and minimally invasive

techniques to optimize prospects of gainful results for our patients.

What does a General Surgeon do?

A general surgeon is a certified professional in the branch of medicine that looks

after the patient's care by conducting several surgical operations. The job involves

the following activities:

1. Diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, some of which are to be treated on

a surgical basis

2. Pre-operative evaluation before an operation and post-operative care after surgery

3. Emergency and elective surgical procedures

4. Minimally invasive techniques if the case requires so—laparoscopic surgeries

5. Cross-functional working with other specialist medical professionals for the

absolute care of the patient.

6. Managing complex wounds and surgical infections

7. Surgical oncology services in the management of selected types of cancer

Conditions that General Surgery treat

General surgeons treat very broadly, including:

1. Appendicitis

2. Hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional)

3. Gallbladder disease and gallstones

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

5. Diseases of the colon and rectum

6. Diseases of the breast and cancer

7. Thyroid and parathyroid disorders

8. Diseases of the skin and soft tissues

9. Abdominal wall defects

10. GI malignancies

11. Liver and pancreatic disease12. Disorders of the spleen

13. Trauma and its surgical management

Symptoms of various General Surgery problems

Different conditions that require general surgery will have varying characteristic

symptoms, which include:

1. Appendicitis: Abdominal pain. The pain is usually diffusely located around the

navel and then shifts to the lower right part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting,

anorexia, fever

2. Hernias: The visible bulge or lump; pain or discomfort in the affected area with

release on rest. More specifically, lifting or straining will exacerbate it.

3. Gallbladder disease: Pain in the upper right abdominal area, nausea, vomiting,

fever, and in difficult cases, jaundice

4. GERD: Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain

5. Colon disorders: Change in bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding,

unexplained weight loss

6. Breast disorders: Lumps, asymmetric size or shape of breasts, nipple discharge,

skin changes

7. Thyroid disorders: Neck swelling, difficulty in swallowing, voice changes,

unexplained weight changes

8. Skin and soft tissue infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, fever

9. Gastrointestinal cancers: Abdominal pain, altered bowel movements,

unexplained weight loss, fatigue

What Tests and Diagnoses Does a General Surgeon Perform/Advise?

General surgeons employ many diagnostic tools and procedures for the evaluation

and identification of conditions that require surgical intervention. Among these tests

and procedures are the following:

1. Physical examination: A general assessment is made of the health status of the

patient, and areas or areas of concern are closely examined.

2. Laboratory tests: Blood work, urinalysis, and other fluid tests to identify

infections, ascertain organ function, and monitor other indicators of health.

3. Imaging studies: This may involve obtaining x-rays, CT scans, MRIs,

ultrasounds, and PET scans to better visualize structures from the inside and

pinpoint problems.

4. Endoscopic studies: Examples include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and

bronchoscopy that are used for directly visualizing internal organs.

5. Biopsy: Removing tissue samples to be examined microscically for cancer

6. Laparoscopy: This is small incision exploratory surgery where a camera

introduces light and allows visualization of internal structures.

7. Manometry: Pressure measurements in organs, as in oesophagus or rectum

Advanced facilities and experienced surgical team ensure accurate diagnoses and

appropriate surgical planning for optimal patient outcomes.

When to Consult a General Surgeon?

There are plenty of health problems a primary care physician can treat

independently, but sometimes it does require seeking a consultation with a general

surgeon. The most common cases for this include:

1. Acute abdominal pain: Severe or persistent abdominal pain; it can be

appendicitis or even gallbladder disease.

2. Suspicious lumps or masses: Any unexplained growth in the breast, abdomen,

or other areas.

3. Hernias: Visible bulges or pain in groin, abdomen, or previous surgical sites.

4. Symptoms of GERD that are persistent: Especially if not responding to medical

management

5. Abnormal results/colonoscopy: Follow-up on abnormal results or for removal of

large polyps

6. Thyroid nodules: Mainly thyroid nodules of a larger size and those suspicious for

malignancy

7. Trauma: Potential injuries that require surgical intervention

8. Any diagnosis of cancer: For surgical treatment options and management

9. Chronic wounds: Non-healing wounds that may be in need of surgical

debridement or reconstruction

10. Recurrent infections: Such as pilonidal cysts or abscesses that require surgical

drainage.

general surgeons work closely with other medical specialties to provide

comprehensive care and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each

patient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: How do I prepare for general surgery?

A: Preparation would depend upon the type of surgery, but generally includes nil by

mouth for a specified period before a procedure, cessation of certain medications as

deemed appropriate by the operating surgeon, arranging care for after the operation,

and following all other instructions your surgical team might give to you.

2. Q: What is the difference between open surgery and laparoscopic surgery?

A: Open surgery requires a larger cut to get to the area for the surgery. Laparoscopic

surgery, on the other hand, is also known as minimally invasive surgery, which

requires a couple of small cuts and special instruments, including a camera, to insert

in the body. It is quite common for the patient to experience less pain, a faster

recovery period, and tiny scars with laparoscopic surgery.

3. Q: What is the usual recovery time for general surgery?

A: Recovery time can vary from little, depending on procedure, to many weeks or

even months. Some minor procedures barely have any recovery time, whereas

some major surgeries need weeks or months for a complete recovery, and all types

are in between.

4. Q: Are there alternatives to surgery for some conditions?

A: Yes, most conditions have non-surgical treatment alternatives. You general

surgeon will discuss treatment for your condition starting with the non-surgical

options and also discuss the possibility of surgery and the available procedures to

make a joint decision based on your condition and your health goals.

5. Q: What are some of the things I can expect during consultations with my

general surgeon?

A: The surgeon will take time during your consultation to take your medical history

and conduct a physical examination. He will then talk about your symptoms and any

concerns you might have, and perhaps order more tests. They will explain the

diagnosis, the proper treatment, its alternatives, expected benefits, and risks,

including possible side effects, routine maintenance of treatment, the length of the

recovery phase, and specific instructions to be followed.