What is General Surgery? What Does General Surgery Look At?

What is General Surgery?

General surgery is a branch of medicine that undertakes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases occurring in various organs and systems of the body through surgical methods. Many areas and diseases such as abdomen, breast, thyroid, soft tissue, digestive system and hernia are within the scope of general surgery. Conditions such as cancer, infection, trauma, gallbladder problems, appendicitis and intestinal obstructions are among the diseases that general surgery frequently deals with.

The Department of General Surgery plays a leading role in the accurate and early diagnosis of diseases requiring surgical intervention and in the application of effective treatment methods. The diagnostic process is supported by detailed examinations, laboratory tests, imaging techniques such as MRI, CT and ultrasound, and biopsy procedures if necessary. Treatments range from minimally invasive procedures to open surgery, and customized plans for each patient are developed by a multidisciplinary team. In this process, the patient's general health status, lifestyle and preferences are taken into consideration. In addition to obesity surgery, specialized treatment methods in sub-branches such as endocrine surgery and gastroenterology and coloproctology surgery are meticulously applied by surgeons who are experienced in their fields.

What Does General Surgery Look For?

General surgery deals with diseases such as the abdominal organs (stomach, intestines, gallbladder, liver, pancreas), thyroid and parathyroid glands, breast diseases, hernias, soft tissue tumors, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and anal fistulas. Additionally, the treatment of injuries resulting from trauma and surgical interventions for some types of cancer are also within the scope of general surgery. General surgery undertakes the diagnosis and treatment of patients, working with other specialties when necessary.

Problems associated with general surgery include:

• Hernias
• Thyroid and parathyroid diseases
• Breast diseases
• Digestive system diseases
• Appendicitis
• Hemorrhoids and anal diseases
• Trauma and injuries

Hernias

Hernias are a common condition that occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernias, which usually occur in the groin, umbilical or surgical incision areas, can cause pain and discomfort. The aim of treatment is to repair the hernia area by surgical method.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases

Thyroid and parathyroid gland problems such as nodules, hyperactivity, or cancer are among the diseases that general surgery deals with. In particular, the risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules may require surgical intervention. Disorders related to the parathyroid gland may cause calcium imbalance and necessitate surgical intervention.

Breast Diseases

General surgery deals with diseases such as breast cancer, benign tumors, cysts, and infections. Surgical intervention in breast cancer involves tumor removal or, if necessary, mastectomy.

Digestive System Diseases

Diseases affecting organs such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder fall under the scope of general surgery. Surgical intervention is often preferred in cases such as gallstones, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the organ called the appendix and is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Appendicitis, which requires emergency surgery, is treated by removing the appendix.

Hemorrhoids and Anal Diseases

Hemorrhoids (piles), anal fistulas, and anal fissures are among the conditions frequently treated by general surgery. These diseases cause pain, bleeding and discomfort in the anus and rectum area. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the disease and surgical intervention may be necessary.

Trauma and Injuries

General surgery plays a critical role in the treatment of traumas caused by accidents, falls, or impacts. In cases such as internal organ injuries, bleeding and fractures, surgical intervention can save the patient's life or accelerate the healing process.

General Surgery Department Diagnosis and Tests

In the general surgery department, the diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Laboratory tests, blood and biochemistry analyses are performed depending on the severity of the disease. Imaging methods are an indispensable part of the diagnostic process; Technologies such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray are used to assess the location of the disease, its extent, and the tissues it affects. When necessary, advanced diagnostic methods such as biopsy are used to make a definitive diagnosis. With this comprehensive approach, general surgery manages the diagnostic process reliably and in detail.

Commonly performed tests in the general surgery department include:

• Blood tests (such as complete blood count, biochemistry panel, coagulation tests),
• Urinalysis,
• Radiological imaging methods (X-ray, ultrasonography, CT),
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
• Endoscopy (such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy),
• Biopsy (tissue sampling),
• Electrocardiography (ECG),
• Lung function tests,
• Laparoscopy to evaluate intra-abdominal organs,
• Infection screenings (such as CRP, sedimentation rate),
• Tumor markers (such as CA 19-9, CEA, AFP),
• Echocardiography (evaluation of the heart and circulatory system),
• Ultrasound-guided drainage or fluid aspiration.

Treatment Options in the General Surgery Department

Treatment in the general surgery department is tailored to the type and stage of the disease, and the patient's general health. A wide range of treatments are offered, from minimally invasive methods to open surgery. While minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery offer less pain and faster recovery, open surgery is generally preferred when more major interventions are required. Common procedures such as hernia repair, gallbladder surgeries, appendicitis surgeries, thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are performed. Additionally, patient-specific treatment plans are prepared in areas of expertise such as obesity surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and oncological surgery. The treatment process is implemented by a multidisciplinary team, aiming to improve the patient's quality of life and ensure rapid recovery.

Treatment options offered in the general surgery department include:

• Bariatric surgery,
• Endocrine surgery,
• Gastroenterology surgery,
• Liver, pancreas, and bile duct surgery (hepatopancreatobiliary surgery),
• Breast surgery,
• Organ transplantation.

Bariatric surgery

Obesity is a serious and widespread health problem affecting numerous organs in the human body. Treatment of this disease requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve the patient's quality of life and reduce comorbid health problems. These techniques, which include advanced surgical techniques, include methods such as gastric banding, gastric sleeve (gastric tube) and gastric bypass.

The gastric band method allows you to control your eating capacity with an adjustable band placed on the stomach. In the gastric sleeve procedure, a large portion of the stomach volume is removed to create a tube-shaped structure. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, is based on the principle of reducing the stomach volume and preventing some of the nutrients from being absorbed in the small intestine. Each surgical method is carefully selected, taking into account the patient's health status, degree of obesity and other personal factors. The treatment process is supported by the support of a dietitian, psychologist and other health professionals, making it easier for the patient to adapt to lifestyle changes after treatment.

Endocrine Surgery

Endocrine surgery involves the surgical treatment of diseases related to the glands in the endocrine system and the hormones produced by these glands. This field encompasses diseases affecting various organs, particularly neuroendocrine tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Endocrine surgery plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases resulting from excessive or insufficient hormone production by these glands. While thyroid and parathyroid surgery is usually performed for goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and similar diseases, adrenal surgery may be required for tumors or dysfunctions in the adrenal glands. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas usually originate from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas, and although these tumors are mostly benign, they can cause serious health problems if not treated in a timely manner.

These surgical procedures are usually performed using minimally invasive methods. In this way, patients recover more quickly and their hospital stay is reduced. Furthermore, these techniques leave minimal scarring and offer aesthetic benefits. Endocrine surgery is not limited to surgical procedures alone; it requires a treatment plan that considers the patient's overall health. Within this plan, the patient is also provided with appropriate diet, medication and follow-up recommendations. Surgeons serving in this field at Acıbadem Healthcare Group constantly improve themselves and apply the latest techniques to provide their patients with the most up-to-date and effective treatment methods.

Gastrointestinal surgery

Gastrointestinal surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat diseases that occur in various parts of the digestive system. This area covers important parts of the digestive system such as the esophagus, stomach-duodenum, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. Gastroenterology surgery can be performed for serious diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, as well as less risky conditions such as hernias and diverticulitis. Surgical procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and endoscopic methods, shortening the recovery time for patients and reducing the risk of complications. These treatments are customized according to the patient's general health status and the stage of the disease and are planned with a multidisciplinary approach.

Liver, Pancreas, and Bile Duct Surgery (Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery)

Hepato-pancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery that covers vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. The functional and anatomical closeness between these three organs requires that this area be considered as a whole. HPB surgery is used to treat life-threatening diseases such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder and bile duct cancer, as well as more common conditions such as gallstones and pancreatitis. These surgical procedures require a high level of expertise and experience and are usually performed in specialized operating rooms equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Treatment is personalized according to the stage of the disease and the general health of the patient, thus trying to achieve the best results and improving the patient's quality of life.

Breast surgery

Breast surgery includes a variety of procedures, including debulking, lumpectomy (sparing removal of cancerous tissue), mastectomy (partial or complete removal of breast tissue), and oncoplastic surgery. Additionally, procedures such as lymph node biopsy or dissection are frequently performed in this area for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment is personalized depending on the patient's age, stage of cancer, hormone receptor status, and genetic factors. At Acıbadem Healthcare Group, this process is carried out in collaboration with experts from different disciplines, such as oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and plastic surgeons. This multidisciplinary approach provides a great advantage in determining and implementing the most appropriate treatment options for patients.

Post-treatment follow-up and rehabilitation are also an important part of this process. In addition to their physical recovery, patients can also receive psychological support and counseling services during the post-surgical period. These services help patients better manage their treatment processes and improve their quality of life. Acıbadem Health Group offers both treatment and support to its patients with these comprehensive breast health services.

Organ Transplantation

At Acıbadem Healthcare Group's Organ Transplant Centers, life-saving kidney and liver transplant surgeries are meticulously performed by a team of experts. Kidney transplantation is offered as a last resort for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, while liver transplantation is performed on patients with serious liver diseases or liver failure. Both types of transplants begin with finding suitable donor organs and are performed after numerous tests that must be compatible with the recipients.

This process includes a period of extensive evaluation and preparation for both the donor and the recipient. Transplant operations are performed by experienced surgeons and transplant coordinators in special operating rooms equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. After the transplant, patients undergo intensive monitoring and medication therapy. During this period, the aim is to protect recipients against potential complications such as organ rejection and infection and to optimize the functionality of the new organ.

Acıbadem Healthcare Group provides multidisciplinary support to patients in the post-organ transplantation period; it aims to improve the health status of patients and enhance their quality of life through collaboration between nephrology, hepatology, infectious diseases, and other relevant specialties. Additionally, psychological support and educational programs are offered for patients and their families, providing information and support at all stages of the transplant process.

Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery; It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and surgical interventions of diseases affecting the rectum, anus and large intestine. This field covers the treatment of diseases such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), hemorrhoids, anal fistulas and fissures. Colorectal surgeons evaluate these structures in the lower part of the digestive system from both functional and oncological perspectives to create the most appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Surgery

What does general surgery mean?

General surgery is a branch of medicine that covers surgical procedures involving structures and organs in various parts of the body. Surgeons in this field perform surgical interventions, especially for diseases of the abdomen, breast and endocrine system.

What diseases does general surgery deal with?

Diseases such as hernia, appendicitis, thyroid diseases, breast cancer and hemorrhoids are within the scope of the general surgery doctor.

Are general surgery procedures performed urgently or planned?

General surgical operations can be both emergency and planned. While emergency operations are performed for unexpected situations and health problems that require immediate intervention, planned operations are carried out on predetermined dates after a detailed preparation process.

How should I prepare before the surgical procedure?

Before the surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions. Generally, you will be asked not to eat or drink liquids after midnight the night before the operation. You will also be informed about any medications you should or should not use.

What is the recovery process like after surgery?

The recovery process varies depending on the operation performed and the general health status of the individual. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about pain control, wound care, and activity level after surgery. Generally, most patients can gradually return to normal activities within a few days after surgery.

Is there a risk of infection after the operation?

Every surgical procedure carries a certain risk of infection. However, hospitals perform operations under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection, and this risk can be further reduced with the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Are there any scars left after general surgery operations?

Depending on the type of surgery and where it is performed, scarring may occur, but surgeons strive to provide healing with the least possible scarring. Operations performed using minimally invasive techniques (such as laparoscopy) leave fewer scars.

When can I return to my normal diet?

This varies depending on the type of surgery and its effects on the digestive system. While some patients can return to their normal diet within a few days, for others this process may take longer. Your doctor will give you a special diet plan.