General surgery is the main branch of medicine that involves repairing systemic and localized problems in the body through surgical methods, treating injuries or removing diseased tissues from the body. Although its primary focus is on the organs of the abdominal region (the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts), diseases of the thyroid gland, breast and soft tissues also fall within the field of expertise of this specialty.
What is General Surgery?
General surgery is the broadest surgical branch of medical science and is responsible for the management of diseases that cannot be treated with medication or for which surgical intervention can accelerate the healing process. This unit is a critical operational center, handling everything from emergency cases (traffic accidents, organ ruptures, appendicitis) to planned elective surgeries.
General surgery specialists are physicians with in-depth knowledge of surgical anatomy, metabolism, immunology and wound healing. Nowadays, general surgery has evolved into organ-based subbranches (such as colorectal surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, endocrine surgery, etc.), allowing for greater specialization.
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What Diseases Does General Surgery Treat?
The general surgery unit deals with pathological conditions affecting many different systems of the body. These diseases may present as a mass (tumor), a functional disorder or a structural abnormality. The main diseases within the scope of this branch are as follows:
Gastrointestinal and digestive system diseases
Surgical management of mechanical obstructions that disrupt the integrity of the digestive tract, gastrointestinal bleeding, hernias (inguinal, umbilical and hiatal hernias) and functional disorders is performed by this unit.
Esophageal diseases
Esophageal strictures, motility disorders such as achalasia, surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal diverticula are evaluated within this field.
Stomach and rectum diseases
Complications related to gastric ulcers, gastric outlet strictures, rectal prolapse and structural disorders of the rectal region are among the main topics of general surgery.
Small and large bowel diseases
Small bowel obstructions, diverticulitis and surgical complications of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and colon (large intestine) diseases, are treated within this field.
Liver diseases
Surgical interventions of hepatic cystic diseases (such as hydatid cysts), liver abscesses and benign liver masses are carried out by this unit.
Appendicitis, gallbladder and bile duct diseases
As the most common cause of emergency surgery, appendicitis, gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and biliary tract obstructions fall within the scope of this specialty.
Endocrine system diseases
It includes the surgical treatment of hormone-secreting glands. The thyroid gland (goiter, nodules), parathyroid glands, adrenal glands and endocrine tumors of the pancreas are included in this group.
Surgical oncology (cancer surgery)
It refers to the removal of tumors from various parts of the body in accordance with surgical principles. Surgeries for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers (stomach, colon, rectum) and soft tissue tumors are performed within the field of surgical oncology.
Anorectal diseases
Conditions affecting quality of life such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fistula and pilonidal sinus are included in this group.
What Tests Are Applied In General Surgery Department?
A range of advanced diagnostic methods is used before surgical intervention in order to clarify the patient’s condition and determine the risks of the operation. These tests are necessary for establishing a final diagnosis and for surgical planning. The primary tests used during diagnosis process are as follows:
- Imaging methods: Ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used to examine the internal structures of the body and PET-CT may be used to evaluate the nature of suspicious masses.
- Endoscopic procedures: Direct visualization of internal tissues with gastroscopy (stomach examination) and colonoscopy (large intestine examination) and biopsy if necessary, are also included in this group.
- Laboratory analyses: Blood tests such as a complete blood count, liver function tests, tumor markers and coagulation profile may also be performed.
- Biopsy (tissue sample): Suspicious tissues may be sent for pathological examination using fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or tru-cut biopsy methods.
What Treatment Methods Are Used In General Surgery Department?
In general surgery, the treatment approach is selected from methods that maximize patient comfort and minimize the risk of complications. With the advancement of technology, surgical interventions have become less invasive (less traumatic). The main surgical treatment methods include:
Open Surgery
Open surgery is a traditional surgical method in which a larger incision is made to directly access the affected area. It is especially preferred for the removal of large tumors, advanced-stage diseases or complex anatomical conditions. Since it allows the surgeon to directly visualize the operative field, it provides better control, however, the recovery period may be longer compared to other methods.
Laparoscopic (Closed) Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method performed using a camera and specialized surgical instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdominal area. It is frequently preferred today because it offers less pain, smaller scars and a faster recovery process. It is commonly used in gallbladder, appendectomy and hernia surgeries.
Endoscopic and Interventional Procedures
Endoscopic procedures are diagnosis and treatment methods performed without large incisions, using a camera and specialized instruments inserted through natural openings or small entry points. Procedures such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, used in the evaluation of stomach and intestinal diseases, allows diagnosis of the disease and can be performed at the same time with interventions like polyp removal or hemostasis.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is an advanced surgical method in which the surgeon controls robotic arms through a specialized console. It can improve success rates in operations performed in narrow and delicate areas by offering advantages such as high precision, tremor filtration and 3D visualization. Because it is minimally invasive, patients generally experience a more comfortable recovery process.
Breast-Conserving and Reconstructive Surgery
In breast cancers, the integrity of the breast is preserved while the tumor is removed. In cases where complete removal of the breast (mastectomy) is required, mammoplasty is performed in the same session using plastic surgery.
Bariatric Surgery (Obesity Surgery)
Bariatric surgery includes surgical methods used to support weight loss in the treatment of obesity. It is based on the principle of reducing stomach volume or decreasing nutrient absorption. With methods such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, patients can both lose weight and experience improvement in metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgery is a treatment aimed at repairing hernias that occur when organs or tissues protrude from their normal anatomical position. Hernias that can occur in the groin, umbilicus or surgical incision sites can be treated using either open or minimally invasive methods. Surgical mesh is generally used to strengthen the weakened area.
Thyroid and Breast Surgery
Thyroid and breast surgery includes surgical procedures used in the treatment of diseases such as nodules, masses or cancers that develop in these organs. Procedures such as partial or total removal of the thyroid gland or excision of a breast mass, aim both to control the disease and to preserve the patient’s quality of life.
Proctological Surgery
In the treatment of hemorrhoids and fissures, advanced technological solutions such as laser systems and modern closure techniques for fistulas are used.
Organ Transplantation
Organ transplantation is the surgical procedure of placing a healthy organ in place of an organ that can no longer function properly. Kidney and liver transplants are applied the most frequently. In this highly specialized process, postoperative follow-up and immunomodulator treatments are of great importance.
Oncological Surgery (Cancer Surgeries)
Oncological surgery is a surgical treatment method aimed at the complete removal of cancerous tissue from the body. In this process, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes may be removed with the tumor to reduce the risk of disease spread. The treatment plan is usually determined through a multidisciplinary approach and may be supported by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in addition to surgery.
