What is General Surgery?
General surgery is a field of medicine where a physician or specialist is required to have a broad understanding of a variety of health specialties and conditions.
General surgery is considered to be one of the largest areas of practice in modern medicine and surgeons are required to be familiar with a wide range of sub-specialties.
Many of these sub-specialties focus on treating conditions associated with the abdomen, but can also include a focus on Endocrinology, Breast Health, Colorectal Conditions and Transplants or Removal of certain cancers and tissue.
Procedures
At our facility, our general surgeons are equipped to perform a wide range of diagnostic procedures and surgical treatments for patients who require general surgery.
Breast Biopsy & Lumpectomy
A breast biopsy is required when further diagnosis is needed for an area on the breast that looks abnormal. The procedure is minor and most patients are discharged the same day. Although breast biopsies tend to create a lot of anxiety among patients, it is important to remember that a majority of biopsies don’t show cancer.
During a breast lumpectomy, only cancer or an abnormal portion of the breast is removed. If your physician decides you need a lumpectomy, it is usually out of necessity to remove a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor.
Hemorrhoid Removal
When other alternatives have failed or if your hemorrhoid is particularly large or bleeding, your physician may recommend hemorrhoid removal through minor surgery.
As a patient, you will most likely be given anesthesia during the procedure. Since most of these procedures are done in an outpatient setting, you will be able to go home at the end of the day.
Depending on the location of the hemorrhoid, strenuous or physical activity may not be recommended for a certain period of time after the surgery is performed.
Soft Tissue, Tumors, Masses & Lesion Removal
Your physician may recommend surgery for benign tumors, masses, lesions and soft tissues if you are experiencing discomfort, or if there is a risk that these tumors will enlarge and invade other organs and extremities.
Surgical removal may also be required if you have an underlying inherited condition, or if there is a greater risk of a tumor or mass recurring.
Laparoscopic Hernias
Often times, your physician will recommend removal of a hernia laparoscopically if you are experiencing symptoms that are causing pain, discomfort or if your hernia is strangulated.
In most cases, recovery time ranges from about 1-2 weeks, and most patients can go home the same day of the procedure.
Follow up appointments may be required, and physical activity may be limited in the days and weeks after the procedure.
Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder removal surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. Your gallbladder may need to be surgically removed if your physician determines gallstones are present, and if you are under extreme discomfort and pain.
These stones may cause painful complications and may cause other unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, indigestion and sharp abdominal pain.
Laparoscopic surgery only requires a small incision in the abdomen and most patients are able to go home the same day.
Follow up appointments may be needed, depending on the type of surgery performed and the size of the gallstones.