Overview

General surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of operative procedures with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases in any region of the body. Its scope includes the skin, breasts, abdomen, peripheral vasculature, and head and neck, among other areas.

The abdominal viscera, which includes the small and large bowels, liver, gall bladder and bile ducts, pancreas, appendix, spleen and the stomach, may be the focus of this specialty.

The professionals responsible for carrying out these procedures are called general surgeons, and they are also involved in the process of diagnosis and operative care before, during and after the surgery.

General surgeons may also take part in the management of critically ill patients and those who are victims of trauma