General surgery, despite the name, is actually a surgical specialty. General surgeons not only perform surgeries for a wide range of common ailments, but are also responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgery. All surgeons must start their general surgery training; many then focus on another specialty.
General surgeons are trained to operate on the following:
- Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery)for all abdominal wall and groin hernias, Gall bladder, and appendix surgeries.
- Repair of all abdominal hernias, including abdominoplasty
- Head and Neck Surgery: Endoscopic thyroidectomy, parotidectomy, Lymph node excision, etc.
- Breast: Excision of breast lump, simple Mastectomy, Modified radical Mastectomy
- Treatment of peripheral vascular disease, including diabetic foot infections
- Treatment of varicose vein including sclerotherapy Trendelenburg operations/stripping and multiple ligation Skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis/Fournier gangrene, etc.
- Benign and malignant tumors of the skin and soft tissues
- Open repair of all abdominal hernias, including abdominoplasty
- Surgical treatment of bowel, including bowel malignancies
- Painless surgical procedure for piles, fistula, fissure, and prolapse, including stapler haemorrhoidectomies. Endoscopic fistula surgery (VAAFT)
- Emergency treatment for chest and abdominal trauma
In addition, general surgeons are expected to have knowledge and experience in:
- Surgical critical care
- Surgical oncology
- Trauma
Despite the term "general", surgeons that practice general surgery are highly skilled surgeons that typically operate on common abdominal complaints, including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder surgeries, stomach, and intestinal issues.