General surgeons are doctors who specialize in surgical procedures. Surgery is any procedure that alters body tissues to diagnose or treat a medical condition. A general surgeon is part of a surgical team that also includes an anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical technicians. You’ll talk to the surgeon about the procedure prior to surgery.
- Head and neck, including trauma, vascular, endocrine, congenital and oncologic disorders—particularly tumors of the skin, salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid, and the oral cavity
- Surgical oncology, including coordinated multimodality management of the cancer patient by screening, surveillance, surgical adjunctive therapy, rehabilitation, and follow-up
- Comprehensive management of trauma, including musculoskeletal, hand, and head injuries—the responsibility for all phases of care of the injured patient is an essential component of general surgery
- Complete care of critically ill patients with underlying surgical conditions, in the emergency room, intensive care unit, and trauma/burn units
Some surgeries require surgeons who specialize in certain things, like cardiac (heart) surgeons or neurosurgeons (brain surgeons), but not all. That’s why there are general surgeons.
Patients see a general surgeon in a wide variety of circumstances. Here are a few of the most common.
When you visit with a general surgeon, they’ll evaluate you to make sure surgery is the right option for you. They’ll explain the procedure and answer your questions about the procedure.