What Is a General Surgeon?
Did you know that there are many different kinds of surgeons? Unless you’ve had many different surgeries, you might not be aware of what all the different specialities do. Today, we’re going to chat a bit about “general surgery,” what it is, and answer a few common questions about it: what is the most common general surgery, what is the difference between general surgeon and doctor, what does a general surgeon do, and more. Let’s get started.
What Does a General Surgeon Do?
A general surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgery. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that may require surgical intervention. This can include conditions affecting the soft tissues of the abdomen, breast, endocrine system, head, and neck. General surgeons also perform emergency surgery and critical care for patients who have been injured.
If you need any of the following surgeries, a general surgeon is likely going to be operating on you:
Appendectomy
Cholecystectomy
Hernia repair
Hemorrhoidectomy
Mastectomy
Weight loss surgeries
Organ transplant
Thyroidectomy
A variety of cancer excisions
And much more
General surgeons can also perform life-saving surgical procedures if a patient is in an accident. These procedures can stabilize a patient long enough for them to be transferred to another hospital or wait for specialized surgical care (such as bone reconstruction or neurosurgical repairs).
What Is the Difference Between a General Surgeon and Doctor?
The general term “doctor” refers to anyone that went to medical school and passed a rigorous, state-by-state exam. Surgeons, on the other hand, have all completed surgical residencies at different hospitals where they trained in surgical techniques. General surgeons may have trained in many different kinds of surgeries but chose general over a different specialty (OB/GYN, cardiothoracic, neuro, colorectal, etc.). Some surgeons are also “board-certified.”
Is General Surgery a Specialty?
According to the American Board of Surgery, general surgery is, in fact, a surgical specialty. In fact, it may be one of the more rigorous specialties. Just as surgeons wishing to specialize in cardiothoracic surgery must display vast knowledge on the heart, lungs, and surrounding tissues, so must general surgeons for the whole body.
Related: How Do I Pick a Specialist?
What Is the Most Common General Surgery?
According to one research review, the most common general surgery procedures “included: cholecystectomy, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and skin excision.” Appendectomy falls high on the list, too, and is a perfect example for the type of procedure general surgeons may encounter – it’s a procedure that may fall under the emergency category, too.
Suncoast Surgical’s General Surgeons
Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we have many general surgeons on staff, and they can perform surgeries for abdominal, gastrointestinal, colorectal, anorectal, thoracic, and GERD concerns. Whether you are in the Tampa, Riverview, or Brandon area, we can help you with your surgical concerns. To learn more about our amazing staff of general surgeons, check out their profiles.
Need to schedule a consultation? Ask for a referral from your doctor or get in touch with us today!