General surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical management of a wide range of conditions affecting any part of your body. A doctor specializing in general surgery is called a general surgeon and is usually an integral part of your entire preoperative and postoperative care.
Training in general surgery can take up to 5 years. A general surgeon has extensive knowledge in physiology, anatomy, pathology, nutrition, immunology, wound healing, intensive care, etc., and experience in nine primary components of surgery which include:
- Head and neck
- Endocrine system
- Alimentary tract
- Vascular system
- Skin, breasts, and soft tissue
- Abdomen and its organs
- Surgical oncology
- Trauma
- Critical illnesses
Some of the common conditions treated by a general surgeon include hernia, inflammation of the colon, gallstones, pancreatic diseases, acid reflux, bowel obstructions, appendicitis, vascular injuries, birth defects, cancers, and damage to other organs.
Conditions
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Hernia
Hernia is an opening formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity. Abdominal wall hernia occurs when the contents of the intestine
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Gallbladder
Gallbladder disease is an umbrella term for several conditions affecting the gallbladder.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, the presence of high sugar (glucose) levels in the blood.
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Hypertension
Blood exerts a certain amount of pressure on the walls of the arteries as it flows through the body.
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Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep due to insufficient stimulation from the brain. It is a rare form of sleep apnea.
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GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the stomach acid leaks into your food pipe (esophagus) causing a burning sensation in your chest
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Achalasia
Achalasia, also known as oesophageal achalasia, is a condition in which the esophagus
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Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance synthesized by the liver in your body and is naturally present in your blood.
Procedures
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Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery
Laparoscopic reflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure employed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Hernia Repair
A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of an organ or fatty tissue through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue in which the organ is enclosed.
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Open Hernia Surgery
A hernia is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall. It may be present from birth or develop over a period of time.
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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a laparoscope to remove the gallbladder for the treatment of gallbladder problems.
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Gastric Pacemaker
A gastric pacemaker, also known as a gastric electrical stimulator, is a device that is implanted under the skin of the abdomen and delivers electrical pulses to the stomach.