{{PAGENAME}} - a surgical specialty that focuses on surgical management of diseases of the abdominal organs.
== General Surgery ==
== General Surgery ==
General Surgery is a branch of [[medicine]] that focuses on surgical procedures involving the abdominal organs, including the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, as well as the thyroid gland and hernias. General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries in almost any area of the body that requires surgery.
[[File:Surgeon.jpg|thumb|right|A general surgeon performing an operation.]]
=== Scope of General Surgery ===
'''General surgery''' is a surgical specialty that focuses on the abdominal organs, including the [[esophagus]], [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], [[large intestine]], [[liver]], [[pancreas]], [[gallbladder]], [[appendix]], and [[bile ducts]]. It also deals with diseases involving the [[skin]], [[breast]], [[soft tissue]], and [[hernia]].
General Surgery traditionally involves techniques such as:
* '''[[Laparoscopic surgery]]''': Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions.
* '''[[Open surgery]]''': Traditional method involving larger incisions.
* '''[[Robotic surgery]]''': Advanced technology where surgeons use robotic systems to perform procedures.
=== Subspecialties ===
General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries that may require surgical treatment. They are skilled in performing a variety of procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex surgeries.
The field of General Surgery includes several subspecialties, such as:
* '''[[Trauma surgery]]''': Focuses on surgical treatment of injuries, often life-threatening, that require immediate attention.
* '''[[Laparoscopic surgery]]''': Specializing in minimally invasive procedures within the abdomen.
* '''[[Colorectal surgery]]''': Concentrates on disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.
* '''[[Breast surgery]]''': Encompasses both benign and malignant diseases of the breast.
* '''[[Vascular surgery]]''': Specializes in diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins.
=== Diagnostic and Preoperative Management ===
== Training and Education ==
General surgeons perform comprehensive preoperative, operative, and postoperative care, including the management of complications. They often work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.
=== Training and Certification ===
To become a general surgeon, one must complete a [[medical degree]] followed by a residency in general surgery. This residency typically lasts five to seven years and includes training in various surgical procedures, patient care, and emergency management.
To become a general surgeon, one must complete a five-year residency in general surgery after medical school. Board certification by the [[American Board of Surgery]] is achieved after passing rigorous examinations post-residency.
=== Surgical Procedures ===
During their training, general surgeons gain experience in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care. They also learn to manage surgical emergencies and trauma cases.
Common procedures performed by general surgeons include:
* Appendectomy
* Cholecystectomy
* Hernia repair
* Mastectomy
* Partial colectomy
=== Challenges and Advancements ===
== Common Procedures ==
General Surgery is a constantly evolving field, with ongoing advancements in techniques, technology, and patient care. Surgeons must stay updated with these changes to provide the best outcomes for their patients.
==Conditions treated==
General surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including but not limited to:
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* [[Abdominoperineal resection]]
* [[Adhesions]] repair
* [[Achalasia]]
* [[Acute pancreatitis]]
* [[Adrenalectomy]]
* [[Adrenocortical carcinoma]]
* [[Ampullary cancer]]
* [[Anal cancer]]
* [[Anal fistula]]
* [[Appendicitis]]
* [[Barrett's esophagus]]
* [[Benign liver tumors]]
* [[Bowel obstruction]]
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Breast cancer prevention]]
* [[Carcinoid syndrome]]
* [[Cholecystectomy]]
* [[Chronic pancreatitis]]
* [[Colectomy]]
* [[Colon cancer]]
* [[Conn's syndrome]]
* [[Constipation]]
* [[Crohn's disease]]
* [[Cryosurgery]]
* [[Cushing's syndrome]]
* [[Cyberknife]]
* [[Distal pancreatectomy]]
* [[Diverticulitis]]
* [[Enterocutaneous fistula]]
* [[Esophageal cancer]]
* [[Esophagectomy]]
* [[Fecal incontinence]]
* [[Gallbladder cancer]]
* [[Gallstones]]
* [[Gastrectomy]]
* [[Goiter]]
* [[Heller myotomy]]
* [[Hemorrhoidectomy]]
* [[Hemorrhoids]]
* [[Hepatic artery embolization]]
* [[Hiatal hernia]]
* [[Hyperparathyroidism]]
* [[Hyperthyroidism]]
* [[Indigestion]]
* [[Inflammatory breast cancer]]
* [[Inguinal hernia]]
* [[Irritable bowel syndrome]]
* [[Liver biopsy]]
* [[Liver metastases]]
* [[Liver resection]]
* [[Lynch syndrome]]
* [[Male breast cancer]]
* [[Medullary thyroid cancer]]
* [[Melanoma]]
* [[Merkel cell carcinoma]]
* [[Metabolic syndrome]]
* [[Microscopic colitis]]
* [[Microwave ablation]]
* [[Nissen fundoplication]]
* [[Obesity surgery]]
* [[Pancreatectomy]]
* [[Pancreatic cancer]]
* [[Parastomal hernia]]
* [[Parathyroid cancer]]
* [[Parathyroidectomy]]
* [[Pelvic floor dysfunction]]
* [[Pheochromocytoma]]
* [[Proctocolectomy]]
* [[Rectal cancer]]
* [[Sentinel lymph node biopsy]]
* [[Small intestine cancer]]
* [[Soft tissue sarcoma]]
* [[Spigelian hernia]]
* [[Thyroid cancer]]
* [[Thyroid nodules]]
* [[Thyroidectomy]]
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==Common general surgery procedures==
{{div col|colwidth=}}
* [[Ambulatory phlebectomy]]
* [[Appendectomy]]
* [[Breast biopsy]], core and open
* [[Breast surgery]]
* [[Colon cancer]] [[resection]] surgery
* [[Cholecystectomy]]
* [[Hemorrhoidectomy]]
* [[Hernia repair]]
* [[Laparoscopy]] and laparascopic procedures
* [[Sclerotherapy]] and Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
* [[Thyroid]] surgery
* [[Varicose vein]] removal
{{div col end}}
=='''General surgery journals'''==
* [[Appendectomy]] - removal of the [[appendix]].
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* [[Cholecystectomy]] - removal of the [[gallbladder]].
General surgeons such as {{PAGENAME}} keep themselves updated with the latest in the field of [[general surgery]] by following some of the following [[peer reviewed]] academic journals:
* [[Hernia repair]] - correction of hernias in the abdominal wall.
* [[International Journal of Surgery]]
* [[Mastectomy]] - removal of breast tissue, often performed in cases of [[breast cancer]].
* [[Surgery (journal)]]
* [[Colectomy]] - removal of part or all of the [[colon]].
* [[Annals of Surgery]]
* [[The American Journal of Surgery]]
* [[JAMA Surgery]]
* [[Journal of the American College of Surgeons]]
''Do you know which of these journals {{PAGENAME}} as a provider follows?''
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== List of General Surgeons (USA) ==
== Subspecialties ==
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Alabama|Alabama]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Alaska|Alaska]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Arizona|Arizona]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Arkansas|Arkansas]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in California|California]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Colorado|Colorado]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Connecticut|Connecticut]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Delaware|Delaware]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Florida|Florida]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Georgia|Georgia]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Hawaii|Hawaii]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Idaho|Idaho]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Illinois|Illinois]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Indiana|Indiana]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Iowa|Iowa]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Kansas|Kansas]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Kentucky|Kentucky]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Louisiana|Louisiana]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Maine|Maine]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Maryland|Maryland]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Massachusetts|Massachusetts]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Michigan|Michigan]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Minnesota|Minnesota]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Mississippi|Mississippi]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Missouri|Missouri]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Montana|Montana]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Nebraska|Nebraska]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Nevada|Nevada]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in New Jersey|New Jersey]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in New Mexico|New Mexico]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in New York|New York]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in North Carolina|North Carolina]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in North Dakota|North Dakota]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Ohio|Ohio]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Oregon|Oregon]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Rhode Island|Rhode Island]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in South Carolina|South Carolina]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in South Dakota|South Dakota]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Tennessee|Tennessee]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Texas|Texas]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Utah|Utah]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Vermont|Vermont]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Virginia|Virginia]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Washington|Washington]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in West Virginia|West Virginia]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Wisconsin|Wisconsin]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Wyoming|Wyoming]]
''' US territories'''
While general surgery covers a broad range of procedures, there are several subspecialties within the field, including:
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in American Samoa|American Samoa]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Guam|Guam]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Northern Mariana Islands|Northern Mariana Islands]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in Puerto Rico|Puerto Rico]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in U.S. Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]]
* [[:Category:General surgery providers in District of Columbia|District of Columbia]]
{{div col end}}
== See Also ==
* [[Trauma surgery]] - focusing on the treatment of traumatic injuries.
* [[Surgical Oncology]]
* [[Colorectal surgery]] - specializing in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.
* [[Cardiothoracic Surgery]]
* [[Endocrine surgery]] - dealing with disorders of the endocrine glands, such as the [[thyroid]] and [[adrenal glands]].
* [[Transplant Surgery]]
* [[Surgical oncology]] - focusing on the surgical treatment of [[cancer]].
* [[Pediatric Surgery]]
== References ==
== Role in Healthcare ==
<references/>
{{stub}}
General surgeons play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients with surgical needs and are responsible for diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions. Their expertise is essential in both elective and emergency settings.
{{Medicine}}
[[Category:General surgery| ]]
General surgeons work closely with other specialists, such as [[anesthesiologists]], [[radiologists]], and [[oncologists]], to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries that may require surgical treatment. They are skilled in performing a variety of procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to complex surgeries.
To become a general surgeon, one must complete a medical degree followed by a residency in general surgery. This residency typically lasts five to seven years and includes training in various surgical procedures, patient care, and emergency management.
During their training, general surgeons gain experience in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care. They also learn to manage surgical emergencies and trauma cases.
General surgeons play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients with surgical needs and are responsible for diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions. Their expertise is essential in both elective and emergency settings.
General surgeons work closely with other specialists, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists, and oncologists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
