General Surgery is a foundational surgical specialty that focuses on a broad range of procedures involving the abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system. It’s often considered the gateway to many subspecialties and is essential in emergency, trauma, and routine surgical care.

Scope of General Surgery

1. Abdominal Surgery

• Appendectomy (appendix removal)

• Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

• Hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, incisional)

• Bowel resection (for cancer, obstruction, or inflammatory disease)

• Surgery for peptic ulcers and perforations

2. Breast Surgery

• Lumpectomy and mastectomy

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy

• Management of benign breast conditions

3. Endocrine Surgery

• Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal)

• Parathyroidectomy

• Adrenal gland surgery

4. Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery

• Excision of cysts, lipomas, and skin tumors

• Management of abscesses and cellulitis

• Skin grafting and wound care

5. Trauma Surgery

• Emergency management of injuries to chest, abdomen, and extremities

• Hemorrhage control and damage control surgery

6. Vascular Access

• Central line placement

• Port insertion for chemotherapy

• Dialysis access (AV fistula creation)

7. Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Laparoscopic procedures (e.g., gallbladder, appendix, hernia)

• Robotic-assisted surgery in advanced centers

Skills and Tools

• Surgical anatomy and technique

• Preoperative and postoperative care

• Infection control and wound healing

• Use of imaging and diagnostic tools (e.g., ultrasound, CT)

• Team leadership and decision-making in emergencies

Pathways and Subspecialties After General Surgery

Many surgeons pursue further training in:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery

• Neurosurgery

• Pediatric Surgery

• Colorectal Surgery

• Surgical Oncology

• Transplant Surgery

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery