General Surgery

Introduction

General surgery is a cornerstone specialty in medicine that encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures concerning the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases across various organs and systems in the body. The professionals who perform these procedures are called general surgeons. They are highly skilled. The word “general” shouldn’t be confused with the lack of specialty training. General surgeons are essential members of the healthcare team for the treatment of common illnesses that are cured with surgery. They not only perform surgeries for a wide range of ailments but are also responsible for patient care at every stage of the procedure. All surgeons are required to obtain basic training in general surgery and then focus on another specialty after that.

When to Consult a General Surgeon?

The two primary reasons for consulting a general surgeon are:

• Surgery Recommendation: If a general physician suggests that non-surgical treatment will not be enough, people might be required to see a surgeon.
• Medical Emergency: General surgeons are qualified to perform multiple emergency life-saving procedures in the case of severe wounds, hernia, gall stones, appendicitis, etc.

Roles of a General Surgeon

General surgeons perform surgery and, in the healthcare system, also serve as primary caregivers for patients undergoing surgery and must have the knowledge and experience in critical care and trauma.

Their responsibilities include:

1. Diagnosis: General surgeons are trained to evaluate patients with surgical conditions through comprehensive history-taking, physical examination, and diagnostic investigations, such as imaging studies and laboratory tests.
2. Treatment: They perform diverse surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting multiple organs and systems. These procedures might be elective or emergent, depending on the nature of the condition.
3. Postoperative Care: General surgeons are involved in the postoperative management of patients, ensuring optimal recovery and monitoring for potential complications.
4. Consultation: They provide consultations for patients referred by other physicians or specialists, offering expert advice on the surgical management of complex cases.
5. Education and Research: They are actively involved in medical education and research, contributing to the advancements in surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery.
6. Miscellaneous: General surgeons are also equipped to handle the clinical needs of terminally ill patients, morbidly obese patients, and geriatric patients.

The Sub-Specialties of General Surgery

General surgeons are trained to operate on the following regions in the body for cancer, traumatic injuries, and other diseases.

• The Digestive Tract: Surgeons help in the surgical management of diseases that affect the digestive tract, like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder removal and GERD/acid reflux surgery.
• The Abdomen: Abdominal surgery is required if there is any inflammation, obstruction, infection, or tumor in the abdomen. Common abdominal surgeries include appendectomies (removal of appendix), hernia (protrusion of bowel in the abdominal wall), and the removal of segments of the bowel due to inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
• Breast, Skin, and Soft Tissue: General surgeons perform multiple non-cosmetic surgical operations on the breast, including the removal of lumps or whole breasts. Cosmetic surgeries on the breast involve increasing or decreasing the breast size. Skin surgery includes the removal of cysts or moles and is performed under local anesthesia.
• The Head and Neck: Surgery in these regions might be required due to cancer, diseases in the glands of the region, sinus, or congenital deformations (e.g., cleft palate and ear reconstruction).
• The Heart and Blood Vessels: General surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms, and venous disorders. They perform open and endovascular procedures to restore blood flow and prevent complications.
• The Endocrine System (Hormones and Glands): Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, and other endocrine conditions can be treated with endocrine surgery. 
• Trauma Surgery: Trauma surgeons specialize in the management of critically injured patients and work with the emergency departments to provide immediate assessment and surgical intervention for traumatic injuries.
• Surgical Oncology: General surgeons help treat cancer through tumor resection, lymph node dissection, and reconstructive procedures. They closely collaborate with other healthcare professionals, like oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Surgeons utilize advanced techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery, to perform operations through small incisions. 

Evolution of General Surgery

General surgery has evolved significantly, driven by technological advancements, surgical techniques, and patient care models. Key trends shaping the future of general surgery include:

• Minimally Invasive Techniques: The global adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques has revolutionized the field of general surgery, allowing for less invasive procedures that result in faster recovery times, reduced pain, improved patient cosmetic outcomes, and shorter hospital stays.
• Multidisciplinary Care: General surgeons increasingly collaborate with other medical specialists, including medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex surgical conditions.
• Digital Evolution: Telemedicine platforms and digital health technologies are integrated into general surgery practice, enabling remote consultations, preoperative planning, and postoperative monitoring for patients.
• Personalized Care: Advances in genomic medicine and precision oncology drive the development of personalized treatment approaches for cancer patients, allowing for targeted therapies based on individual requirements and genetic profiles.
• Global Health Initiatives: General surgeons play a vital role in global health initiatives, addressing irregularities in surgical care. It includes expanding surgical infrastructure, training local healthcare providers, and improving surgical safety standards.

General surgery is a dynamic and evolving specialty encompassing a broad range of surgical procedures and patient populations. Surgeons in this field provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients with surgical needs. Fortis offers dynamic, robust, and patient-centric general surgery services across the country.