General Surgery

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 training in general surgery; many then go on to focus on another specialty.

General surgeons are trained to operate on the:

• Alimentary tract (esophagus and related organs)
  
• Abdomen and its contents
• Breast, skin, and soft tissue
• Endocrine system

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.