What is a General Surgeon?

A general surgeon has specialized knowledge and skill relating to the diagnosis, pre-operative, operative, and postoperative management of surgical problems in the following areas of primary responsibility:

Alimentary tract -- esophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel

Abdomen and its contents -- diaphragm, biliary tract, liver, pancreas, spleen

Breast, skin and soft tissue -- benign and malignant disease

Head and neck -- including trauma, vascular, congenital and cancerous disorders

Vascular system -- arteries and veins, excluding the vessels in the brain, heart and lungs

Endocrine -- thyroid and parathyroid glands, the pancreas and adrenal glands

Surgical Oncology -- including coordinated management of the cancer patient

Comprehensive management of trauma -- the responsibility for all phases of care of the injured patient

Complete care of critically ill patients -- with underlying surgical conditions

A general surgeon also has knowledge of pediatric, plastic, general thoracic and transplant surgery. A general surgeon is also capable of employing various endoscopic techniques (viewing or performing operations through tubes with lighted ends.)

Commonly Performed Operations: What operations do general surgeons perform?