A general surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgical procedures. A surgery is a procedure that modifies body tissues to diagnose or treat medical conditions. A general surgeon is a surgical team including nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical technicians.
A general surgeon has knowledge about surgical processes ranging from preparation, procedure, and post-operative care. The general surgeon understands the basics of the following surgeries:
- Head and neck
- Abdominal and pelvic organs
- Skin and soft tissue, including breasts
- Digestive tract
- Blood vessels and heart
- Endocrine system
- Surgical management of traumatic injuries
- Surgical treatment of cancer
- Care of critically ill patients with surgical needs
- Cardiovascular system
- Critical care and emergency surgeries
General surgeons hold knowledge regarding:
- Blood flow and clots
- Wounds healing
- Infections and antibiotics
- Immune system functions
- The body's healthy structure and function
Conditions that Gastroenterologists Treat
Some conditions that gastroenterologists treat include:
- Breast cancer
- Physical abnormalities
- Traumatic injuries
- Conditions related to the upper GI tract
- Condition associated with biliary tract
- Vascular conditions
- Critical illness and terminal illness
- Endocrine conditions linked with thyroid and adrenal glands
Surgeries
Common surgeries performed by general surgeons are as follows:
- Breast surgery
- Appendix removal (appendectomy)
- Anti-reflex surgery (Nissen fundoplication)
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss
- Laparoscopy or laparotomy
- Hernia repair surgery
- Gallbladder removal through cholecystectomy
- Spleen removal through splenectomy
- Uterus removal through hysterectomy
- Prostate removal through prostatectomy
Procedures Performed by General Surgeons
The general surgeons are trained in the following procedures:
Endoscopy
A long flexible tube with a video camera is inserted into the body either through the throat (upper endoscopy) or the anus (colonoscopy). The camera projects images of internal organs on a video monitor with the help of which the surgeon operates using small surgical tools.
Endoscopic surgery procedures are as follows:
- Removal of tissue samples
- Removal of polyps and tumors
- Cutting into clenched muscle to release it
Laparoscopic Surgery
A minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes keyhole incisions. A laparoscope is placed through one of the incisions. The camera sends high-resolution images to the monitor screen, which helps the surgeon to operate using long, narrow tools.
General surgeons perform the following laparoscopies:
- Cholecystectomy for gallstones
- Appendectomy for appendicitis
- Gastric bypass surgery for weight loss
Robotic Surgery
In robotic surgery, small incisions are made to pass laparoscopes and narrow tools. Here, robotic arms are directed by the surgeon to perform the surgery.
If you are looking for the best general surgeon in Hyderabad, contact Matrix Hospital.