General Surgery

What is included in General Surgery?

According to the American Board of Surgery, General Surgeons are trained to operate on the:

• Alimentary tract (esophagus and related organs)
• Abdomen and its contents
• Breast, skin, and soft tissue
• Endocrine system

In addition, General Surgeons are expected to have knowledge and experience in:

• Surgical critical care
• Surgical oncology
• Trauma

Despite the term “general”, surgeons that practice general surgery are highly skilled surgeons that typically operate on common abdominal complaints including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder surgeries, stomach, and intestinal issues. This focus on the abdomen is not absolute, as general surgeons may specialize in a type of surgery, such as treating cancer or burns, that requires the surgeon to be able to perform procedures on multiple areas of the body.

Why do doctors choose to go into General Surgery?

General surgeons can be found practicing many types of surgery, and the broad-based nature of their education makes it possible for general surgeons to perform many procedures in the performance of their jobs. Some may choose to go on to a specialty, but others enjoy the variety that makes up the day of a true general surgeon and practice a wide assortment of procedures.

General surgeons also have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, with many different types of medical teams and patients. According to the American Board of Surgery:

The certified general surgeon also is expected to have knowledge and skills for diseases requiring team-based interdisciplinary care, including related leadership competencies. Certified general surgeons additionally must possess knowledge of the unique clinical needs of the following specific patient groups:

• Terminally ill patients, to include palliative care and pain management; nutritional deficiency; cachexia in patients with malignant and chronic conditions; and counseling and support for end-of-life decisions and care.
• Morbidly obese patients, to include metabolic derangements; surgical and non-surgical interventions for weight loss (bariatrics); and counseling of patient and families.
• Geriatric surgical patients, to include management of comorbid chronic diseases.
• Culturally diverse and vulnerable patient populations.