General Surgery

The Department of General Surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on a wide range of conditions affecting various parts of the body, primarily the abdomen. General surgeons are trained to perform operations involving the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines), liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and hernia repairs. They also manage diseases of the breast, skin, and soft tissues.

Common conditions treated in general surgery include appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), gallstones requiring cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), hernias (when an organ pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall), and colorectal issues such as diverticulitis or colon cancer. They also perform surgeries for thyroid and parathyroid disorders, as well as breast surgeries for both benign and malignant tumors.

General surgeons are skilled in both traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, uses small incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments. This approach often results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients. In recent years, robotic-assisted surgery has also become more common in some general surgery procedures.

The scope of general surgery is broad, and general surgeons often work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive care. Emergency surgeries for acute abdominal pain or trauma also form a significant part of their practice. The goal of general surgery is to effectively treat diseases through surgical intervention while minimizing risks and optimizing patient outcomes.