Understanding General Surgery: Procedures, Benefits, and More
General surgery accounts for eight percent of the case volume across all facilities, on par with ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat).
As the term suggests, general surgery encompasses operative procedures related to diagnosing and treating any region of your body including your skin, head, neck, breast, and abdomen.
The interest and scope of general surgery includes almost your entire body and that itself shows how important it is to know about it.
Hence, let us help you understand its importance, shedding light on various procedures, and highlighting how it helps patients.
Also, know how you can undergo general surgery in India under the supervision of a team of superspecialists at a very reasonable cost.
But before that let’s learn how Abiodun from Nigeria treated his skin cancer with the help of MedicoExperts.
Abiodun, from Nigeria, was battling with Crohn’s disease. This inflammatory bowel disease, causing persistent inflammation along the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, had taken a toll on his health.
Frustrated by the limited options for effective treatment in Nigeria, Abiodun sought a solution abroad. That’s when he discovered MedicoExperts, an Indian virtual global hospital.
Abiodun reached out to MedicoExperts, and they promptly got in touch with him, requesting his medical reports and a detailed medical history. This was the first step towards understanding his unique case.
The team at MedicoExperts, comprised of experienced medical professionals, wasted no time in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to Abiodun’s needs. What truly set them apart was their ability to provide various treatment options, each with different price points. This transparency empowered Abiodun to make an informed decision about his healthcare.
The team didn’t stop there. They arranged consultations with renowned doctors specializing in treating Crohn’s disease, ensuring that Abiodun had the best medical advice. They even offered a second opinion, just in case he needed additional reassurance.
Throughout this process, MedicoExperts made Abiodun an active participant in his healthcare journey, equipping him with the knowledge he needed to make the right choices. Their commitment to ensuring that Abiodun made the best decisions for his health was unwavering.
As Abiodun filled out the form on their website, he knew he was taking the first step towards regaining his health. While waiting for MedicoExperts to get in touch within 24 hours, he explored their blog section, read informative articles, and watched videos about the treatment options available.
With MedicoExperts by his side, Abiodun was confident that he was heading in the right direction. No longer was he burdened by uncertainty; instead, he was making well-informed decisions to reclaim his health and offer the same gift to his loved ones.
And for those reading this story from outside India, MedicoExperts had a message: “Do check with us when we are coming to your region with a medical camp.” Our team truly dedicated to extending our reach and helping people like Abiodun find hope and healing, no matter where they are in the world.
Abiodun’s journey with MedicoExperts was a testament to the power of seeking the right help at the right time. It was a journey from despair to hope, from uncertainty to empowerment, and from illness to health.
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What is general surgery?
General surgery is a medical specialty that includes a wide range of surgical procedures involving the abdominal organs, as well as other areas of the body. General surgeons are highly skilled and trained to perform surgeries on various parts of the body, making them versatile and essential in healthcare.
In addition to abdominal surgery, general surgeons may perform procedures related to the breast, thyroid, skin, and soft tissues. They are also involved in the treatment of conditions like cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obesity, often utilizing surgical interventions when necessary.
General surgeons also play a vital role in trauma care, performing emergency surgeries to treat injuries such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and accidents. They are trained to handle complex cases and make quick decisions to save lives.
General surgery is a dynamic field that continues to evolve with advancements in technology and medical knowledge. the majority of general surgeons are adept in utilizing minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.
Laparoscopic procedures involve the use of significantly smaller instruments, including miniature cameras that facilitate real-time visualization of the internal anatomy. These specialized tools allow surgeons to make considerably smaller incisions compared to traditional surgical methods.
What are the different types of general surgery procedures?
Different types of procedures come under general surgery that aims at addressing different medical conditions and ailments. To perform these procedures, you need skilled general surgeons who possess expertise in a wide range of surgical interventions.
Now, Let’s learn about the different types of general surgery procedures:
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Gastrointestinal Surgery
This category includes procedures related to the digestive system, such as appendectomies (appendix removal), colectomies (colon removal), and gastric bypass surgery for weight loss.
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Abdominal Surgery
Abdominal procedures often involve addressing issues with organs within the abdominal cavity, such as hernia repairs, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), and liver surgeries.
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Breast Surgery
General surgeons also perform breast-related surgeries, including lumpectomies and mastectomies for the treatment of breast cancer or benign conditions.
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Head and Neck Surgery
This specialty deals with surgeries related to the head and neck, including thyroidectomies (thyroid gland removal) and procedures for treating conditions like goiters.
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Vascular Surgery
Surgeons in this field focus on blood vessels and perform procedures such as angioplasty, vascular bypass, and aneurysm repair.
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Endocrine Surgery
These procedures target the endocrine glands and hormonal systems, with surgeries like parathyroidectomy and adrenalectomy being common.
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Oncologic Surgery
Surgical oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancer through procedures like tumor resections and lymph node dissections.
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Trauma Surgery
General surgeons play a crucial role in treating traumatic injuries and conducting emergency surgeries to address life-threatening conditions resulting from accidents or violence.
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Critical Care Surgery
Some general surgeons are trained to care for critically ill patients requiring surgical interventions in intensive care settings.
Depending on the techniques of general surgery it can be further divided into:
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera, allowing doctors to view and diagnose conditions within the abdominal cavity.
During a laparoscopy, surgeons can also perform various procedures such as removing the gallbladder or repairing hernias without the need for large incisions, resulting in quicker recovery times and less scarring.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that employs a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at its tip, enabling physicians to examine and treat various internal organs and structures, such as the digestive tract.
Gastroenterologists commonly use endoscopy to investigate gastrointestinal issues, taking biopsies or removing polyps, and the procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting a tiny camera and instruments through small incisions into a joint, like a knee or shoulder, allowing orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems, including repairing ligament injuries or removing damaged tissue.
Patients undergoing arthroscopy typically experience less pain, swelling, and a faster return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery for joint issues.
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the lungs to examine the airways, diagnose conditions such as lung cancer or infections, and remove foreign objects.
Bronchoscopy is crucial for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, enabling pulmonologists to visualize and treat issues within the respiratory system without the need for major surgery.
Cystoscopy involves inserting a narrow, flexible tube with a camera into the urethra and bladder to diagnose and treat conditions like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or tumors.
This minimally invasive procedure allows urologists to assess bladder health, take biopsies, and even perform minor surgeries to address urinary tract problems with less discomfort and shorter recovery periods.
Gastroscopy is a medical procedure that utilizes a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera to examine the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like ulcers, gastritis, or tumors.
Gastroscopy is often performed as an outpatient procedure and helps gastroenterologists make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans for patients with upper gastrointestinal complaints.
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin, lighted tube into the uterus to diagnose and treat various gynecological issues, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or abnormal bleeding.
Women undergoing hysteroscopy benefit from shorter recovery times and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgeries for uterine conditions.
Laryngoscopy is a medical procedure where a laryngoscope is used to examine the larynx and vocal cords, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of voice and throat disorders, including removing vocal cord lesions or biopsies.
Laryngoscopy is crucial for otolaryngologists to assess and manage voice and swallowing issues, with minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery period for patients.
Sigmoidoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the lower part of the colon to diagnose and treat conditions like colorectal polyps, inflammation, or hemorrhoids, and it is often used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
Unlike a full colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy typically requires less preparation and is associated with a shorter recovery time, making it a valuable procedure for detecting and managing lower bowel issues.
We have given you just a few examples of the diverse range of general surgery procedures available. Interestingly, Each of these surgeries is tailored to address specific medical conditions, and general surgeons are well-equipped and well-trained to provide you with comprehensive care across these various specialties.
Whether it’s a routine procedure or a complex surgery, general surgeons play a vital role in maintaining and improving patients’ overall health.
How good is India in general surgery?
India is one of the best countries to get your general surgery done as hospitals and clinics in the country are equipped with advanced technology to provide the best possible medical services to tourists. And the best part is, that the cost of treatment is lower than the most Western countries.
To ease the entire process for you, you have MedicoExperts, an online virtual hospital, which bridges the gap between you and the best of the world medical services you deserve.
We provide comprehensive medical second opinions, procedures, and surgeries to patients with the goal of delivering clinical excellence in a cost-effective manner.
At MedicoExperts, we recognize your desire for top-quality treatment at an affordable price. To achieve this, you must select the right doctor with a strong track record and the most suitable hospital.
However, the multitude of options at various price points often forces you to choose between quality and budget, causing uncertainty in your decisions.
We believe that health is paramount, and treatment quality should never be compromised. With the right approach, it’s possible to reduce costs.
Understanding your dilemma in balancing quality and affordability, we’ve partnered with highly specialized doctors and a variety of hospitals with different price ranges to create the ideal solution for you.
This approach has allowed us to successfully serve over 10,200 patients from 17 countries, saving them between 5% to 25% on costs without sacrificing outcomes.
Summing it up
General surgery is an essential medical specialty that plays an important role in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of surgical conditions. General surgeons are highly skilled professionals who utilize their expertise to provide surgical care to patients of all ages.
It remains a cornerstone of modern medicine, contributing significantly to the overall healthcare system’s effectiveness and ensuring that individuals receive the surgical care they need when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
When should I see a general surgeon?
You should consider consulting a general surgeon if you have a medical condition or injury that may require surgical intervention. Common reasons to see a general surgeon include appendicitis, gallstones, hernias, colorectal issues, and breast abnormalities.
Are all surgeries performed by general surgeons?
No, not all surgeries are performed by general surgeons. Some complex surgeries may require the expertise of specialized surgeons in areas such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, or urology. General surgeons typically handle a broad spectrum of surgical procedures.
Is general surgery only for adults?
General surgeons often treat both adults and children. Pediatric surgery is a specialized field that focuses on surgical procedures specifically for children, but general surgeons may also perform surgery on pediatric patients for certain conditions.
Do foreigners come to India for medical treatment?
Yes, foreigners come to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai as well as smaller cities in India to avail medical services as they get the best medical facilities at reasonable costs.
How we make quality Healthcare affordable
MedicoExperts, being a virtual hospital, has empaneled best of the superspecialist across the super-specialties and networked with hospitals with right clinical infrastructure and different level of service facilities, where we conduct surgeries and procedures. This help us to save the cost and extend benefits to you while ensuring the quality and success rates of the surgeries.
For Second opinions and follow-up consultations, our doctors are available on MedicoExperts online consultation platform.
Ms. Faith was suffering from uterine fibroids for many years, but is now better, thanks to uterine fibroids treatment in Nigeria by best surgeons from India.
Tell us about yourself
Hello, my name is Faith, and I am 36 years old, and few years ago I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. I used to have severe bleeding, a huge belly and extreme cramping. Sometimes, my bleeding was so heavy, I could not go out. I tried all sorts of herbal and medicinal remedies but nothing helped.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
Someone suggested I undergo surgery, but I was scared. So, I began to research and talk to doctors, but the reviews of getting treated locally were not so good, and I could not afford to leave to another country for the treatment.
One day, I saw an ad on Facebook where MedicoExperts was organizing a surgical & OPD camp in Nigeria and they were offering myomectomy by top Gynaecology surgeon of India. This was like a gift to me. I immediately got in touch with them and got myself scheduled for the surgery.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
When I first got in touch with them, I was not very sure about them, but eventually, I build up trust by knowing how genuine they were. The gynaecology surgeons they are tie-ed up with are very good and well experienced. After days of keeping in touch with the MedicoExperts team, I finally got my surgery done. My surgery was successful and I am completely recovered now and feel so much better.
I am glad I chose MedicoExperts, I am very happy and better now.
After feeling low self-confidence for years after childbirth, Ms. Jennifer Okoh finally felt good about herself with vaginoplasty in Nigeria
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
The team is really helpful and patient. They listen and answer all questions and made me also feel sure. They shared previous patient testimonials with me as well, and this helped me gain confidence in them. They also shared the profile of the Indian Specialist who will be operating on me, and I was impressed by his experience and knowledge. I have no regrets in getting my procedure done in Nigeria by Indian specialist through MedicoExperts, this has been truly a dream come true. I have regained my lost confidence.
About patient
My name is Jennifer and I am 38 years old. I had problems with vaginal looseness and loss of feeling during intercourse, but I was also somewhat ashamed about the length and colour of my labia. I wanted to regain my pre-pregnancy confidence but was nervous to seek the right treatment and was also unsure about getting the procedure here.
Mrs. Mercy Adegoke feels younger and happier after her Vaginoplasty by top Indian surgeon.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
I am truly very lucky to have gotten this surgery in Nigeria itself. I am very happy with the outcome and so is my husband. Thank you MedicoExperts.
About Patient
Hello, I am a 50-year-old woman with a completed family and a very loving husband, but I was still unhappy with how I felt about my body. My vagina felt very loose, with additional skin (labia) rubbing and chafing, making me feel older than I was. I really wanted to change how I looked and felt down there.
Prince travelled from Cameroon to Nigeria to get his hernia repair surgery done by best Indian general surgeon and he is very happy with the treatment I received.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
It was a wonderful experience and everything went smoothly and I am very happy with the outcome. My pain is gone and my surgery was very good. Thank you team MedicoExperts.
About Patient
Hi, my name is Prince Cyril and I am 50 years old. I currently reside in Cameroon, I travelled to Awka, Nigeria, to get my hernia repair surgery done. I had a lot of discomfort before my surgery but I am pain-free now.
Mr Joseph who got laparoscopic hernia surgery in Nigeria and is now happy with the results.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the surgeon and his team, who at every stage showed great professionalism and kindness to me. Thank you! I was amazed that I had no post-operative pain (compared to a prior hernia procedure) and returned to ordinary operations earlier than I expected after the surgery.
About patient
Hello, I am Mr. Joseph Ogburo, 49 and I was diagnosed with hernia. I had an inguinal hernia fixed before, but it was expensive and the experience was not that pleasant. I was going through the same pain and discomfort again but this time I wanted to make sure I get the best treatment possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDZh1NuxRg4
My mother is 70 years old and had difficulty in walking, but today she is okay, thanks to MedicoExperts team and the doctor who treated my mother. First, I had my doubts about getting treated here, but my doubts were put to rest and I am glad I found MedicoExperts, my mother is able to walk again.
I found MedicoExperts on Social Media – Facebook and they helped me to get the very good treatment done in Nigeria by the best Indian orthopaedic surgeon. Initially, I was scared and did not believe it was possible to get such good treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria where I live, but then I saw the name of the doctor and called MedicoExperts and I was told to visit the MedicoExperts Surgical Centre and get treatment in Nigeria. This has saved us the trouble and cost of travelling and accommodation. I gave this a try and my mother can walk now, and I really impressed with the outcome. I will fully recommend this to anyone out there.
Ms. Elizabeth Oloko had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis a couple of years ago and both her hips were severely affected and she was in a lot of pain. Now she is pain-free after undergoing a bilateral total hip replacement in Nigeria.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
I am very happy with MedicoExperts and my surgeon. I can walk pain-free now. The surgery was successful and the doctor helped me walked on the third day after my surgery. I am really fortunate to know about them and get treated by the best Indian doctors, right here in Nigeria.
About the patient
My name is Ms. Elizabeth Oloko and I am 55 years old. I had severe pain in both of my hip joints, I couldn't carry weight, I couldn't lie on my side. I would experience severe pain in just moving around. I got in touch with a local doctor, and my reports revealed Osteoarthritis. I was suggested to undergo surgery but I was sceptical of doing it locally because a majority of the patients have to later undergo revision surgery.
Ms. Faith was suffering from uterine fibroids for many years, but is now better, thanks to uterine fibroids treatment in Nigeria by best surgeons from India.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
When I first got in touch with them, I was not very sure about them, but eventually, I build up trust by knowing how genuine they were. The gynaecology surgeons they are tie-ed up with are very good and well experienced. After days of keeping in touch with the MedicoExperts team, I finally got my surgery done. My surgery was successful and I am completely recovered now and feel so much better.
I am glad I chose MedicoExperts, I am very happy and better now.
About patient
Hello, my name is Faith, and I am 36 years old, and few years ago I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. I used to have severe bleeding, a huge belly and extreme cramping. Sometimes, my bleeding was so heavy, I could not go out. I tried all sorts of herbal and medicinal remedies but nothing helped.
What brought you to India?
To have done laparoscopic myomectomy surgery by team of Priyanka Bisht, comprising of her, Dr. Rahul kankhedia and Dr. Shyam Sunder Soni (Medical experts) was God intervention and a riddance to phobia associated with fibroid removal and anticipated pro surgery pains and associate complications.
My husband and I had challenge with fertility and that has led me to different doctors and hospitals in Nigeria. Having spend fortune in trying, I was linked with Medico expert (Indian Doctors) through social media. We chatted and she recommended I do some test and send to her in India and I complied. She responded that I have multiple fibroid that needed to be removed. She told me the cost and when her team will be visiting Nigeria. Her advice, suggestion, explanation of process and recommendation rid me of fear and I chose to do the surgery with them. They arrived Carez Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on 01/05/2019 for two days to attend to persons with challenges. I was there and made payment through bank transfer; but public holiday and bank restriction on my Account, the money was not remitted to the hospital's account.
This development was to rob me of the chance to be attended to by the team. As God may have it, The Team where more human the humanitarian than business incline. They had me operated without first receiving alert from my bank. their humanity was phenomenon! Four day after, I was discharged. 30 days latter, the incision wounds are all healed and I am back to normal life without complication and pains associated with post surgery experience. MedicoExperts are not only expert in surgery, but also has touch of humanity. Those who have fear or phobia for surgery or complication associated with it, I recommend MedicoExperts as your best option.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Khushbu Jain is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through cutting-edge treatments. She has a special interest in researching regenerative medicine and advanced treatment for diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional treatment options. Her deep understanding of these progressive treatments allows her to offer patients personalized and effective solutions for a variety of health concerns.
