General Surgery
Medical Conditions
General surgeons operate on many different areas and many develop their own areas of expertise.
- Lumps and bumps
- Gallstones
- Hernias
- Trauma surgery
- Cancer surgery – particularly bowel cancer surgery
- Bowel operations
- Breast operations
- Gland operations – like thyroid, parathyroid or adrenal operations
- Liver surgery
- Haemorrhoids
Specialty Areas of Interest
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Endocrine surgery
- Breast surgery
- Colorectal surgery
- Hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal tract surgery
- Transplant surgery
Associated Tests
- A wide range of tests may be ordered depending on your condition.
- Blood tests are commonly ordered.
- Imaging tests such as X-Rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRI scans are frequently utilised.
- Endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and proctoscopy.
Procedures
Numerous different operations.
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Open cholecystectomy
- Appendicectomy
- Laparotomy
- Hartmann’s procedure
- Stoma formation and reversal
- Hernia repair
- Haemorrhoidectomy
- Rectal prolapse repair
- Biopsy
- Liver resection
- Sigmoidectomy
- Colectomy
- Polypectomy
- Mastectomy
What to expect
History
A general surgeon will usually take a brief and focussed history on your current complaint. They will ask about your symptoms, their frequency, duration and relieving and exacerbating factors. They will also ask about prior tests and treatments. Previous medical problems, medications, allergies, social and family history may also be relevant.
Examination
Your general surgeon will focus the examination on the current problem. If the problem is a lump or bump they will begin by looking at you generally and then will focus on the lump examining that in detail.
Training and Qualifications
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
Related Articles
Need a health appointment?
Find and book a doctor, dentist, physio and more on Healthengine
Find a practitioner
