What Does a General Surgeon Do?
A general surgeon is a certified and licensed healthcare specialist who performs a wide range of surgical procedures. They are different from surgeons specializing in certain fields, like cardiologists (heart specialists), neurologists (brain surgeons), and oncologists (surgeons of cancer). These surgeons perform operations on the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and other general body parts. So, when exactly do you need to see a general surgeon in Navi Mumbai, and what’s their role? Let’s find out.
The Role of a General Surgeon
A general surgeon is a specialist in many physical conditions that may or may not require surgical intervention. If they believe the condition is too complicated to be treated, they will refer you to a specialist for the particular disease. Here’s what they do:
a) Surgical Procedures Performed
An experienced surgeon can perform surgical procedures for a medical condition or a cosmetic purpose. They might choose open surgery or perform a laparoscopic procedure, which involves small instruments that give a clear picture of your internal organs. In addition, some general surgeons have embraced robot-assisted surgical procedures to ensure maximum precision and the best outcome with minimal risk of post-surgical complications.
b) Pre and Post-Operative Care
Post-operative care involves the follow-up treatment after a surgical procedure. The level of post-op care a patient needs depends on the type of surgery and their health status. A general surgeon will give detailed instructions regarding what to eat, avoid, and how to take care of the wound. They will also ask you to schedule follow-up appointments for post-operative care.
c) Patient Education and Counseling
You might see a general surgeon for a chronic disease, a severe illness, or a sudden accident. Based on your symptoms and health, they will recommend the most suitable medical treatment. Patient counseling is part of their job. They discuss the available treatment options and determine the most reliable plan that fits your condition.
Common Surgical Procedures Performed by General Surgeons
A general surgeon can perform a vast array of surgical procedures, including:
i) Appendectomy:
A surgery to remove an inflamed appendix. It’s an emergency medical condition that requires immediate removal of the appendix to save the patient’s life. The surgeon can perform it laparoscopically or choose an open surgery.
ii) Breast Surgery:
A general surgeon specializes in breast augmentation, reconstruction, reduction, removal, and lumpectomy. Breast surgery can be a part of a cancer treatment or a cosmetic procedure.
iii) Colorectal Surgery:
Colorectal surgery involves the treatment of your large intestine, i.e., rectum, anus, and colon. A general surgeon might perform a colorectal surgery if you are diagnosed with cancer of the colon and other parts of your large intestine, have polyps, or have inflammatory bowel disease.
iv) Hernia Repair:
A surgery hospital in Navi Mumbai has a general surgeon who can treat nearly all types of hernia. The surgery helps push the bulging hernia back into its original place and involves placing a mesh material that strengthens the weakened tissues.
From removing small skin lesions to performing surgery on the internal organs, a general surgeon does it all.