About General Surgeon Speciality
A general surgeon is a trained medical professional who indulges in the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patient care. General surgery is a form of medical speciality which primarily focuses on the abdominal part of the body but may include operations related to blood vessels, glands, surgical treatment, trauma surgery, skin procedures and cancer treatment. A general surgeon can choose from different fields of surgery including cardiothoracic, gynaecology oncology, ophthalmology, paediatric, orthopaedic, urology, gynaecology and obstetrics, neurology, oral and maxillofacial, ENT, vascular and more.
Any aspirant wishing to become a general surgeon should complete undergraduate and graduate degrees followed by 5-year residency program which involves the study of digestive organs, breast, skin, and soft tissue, comprehensive trauma management, critical care, endocrine system, head and neck, vascular system and surgical oncology. General surgeons work in hospitals and medical centres of all sizes. General surgeons are equipped to handle emergencies also.
Common procedures performed by general surgeons
Aneurysm Repair: Aneurysm Repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon, which involves the removal or repair of an aneurysm. A general surgeon performs this procedure to prevent rupture and hence haemorrhaging of the aneurysm. Cost of an aneurysm repair surgery in India ranges from INR 5,00,000-6,00,000.
Fibroid Tumour Removal: Fibroid tumour removal is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to remove fibroids from the uterus. A general surgeon performs this procedure when the fibroid causes pain, pressure, abnormal bleeding, or interferes with reproduction.
Fracture Repair: A fracture repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to restore a broken bone to its normal and properly functioning position. A general surgeon performs this procedure by two methods: Open Reduction and Closed Reduction.
Hammertoe Correction: Hammertoe correction is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to correct an abnormal configuration, wherein the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th toe joint, is bent downwards. A general surgeon performs this procedure to relieve pain caused by calluses and to avoid permanent abnormality of the toe.
Lung Transplant: Lung transplant is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to replace a diseased or failing lung with a healthy lung, usually from a deceased donor. A general surgeon performs this procedure because unhealthy or damaged lungs can make it difficult for your body to get the oxygen it needs to survive. Cost of a Lung transplant in India is approx INR 20,00,000.
Heart Transplantation: Heart transplantation is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to remove a damaged or diseased heart and replace it with a healthy heart from a donor. A general surgeon performs this procedure because of heart failure due to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, severe congenital heart disease etc. Cost of a Lung transplant in India is approx INR 2,50,000.
Haemorrhoid Banding: A haemorrhoid banding is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to treat internal and external haemorrhoids. A general surgeon performs this procedure when haemorrhoids form inside the rectum or around the anus. Cost of a haemorrhoid banding surgery in India is approx INR 40,000- 60,000.
Rectal or Colon Polyp Removal: Rectal or colon polyp removal is a procedure performed by a general surgeon, which involves the removal of an abnormal tissue growth from the membrane lining within the rectum or colon. A general surgeon performs this procedure when there is suspected cancerous tumour. Cost of a haemorrhoid banding surgery in India is approx INR 1,00,000- 1,50,000.
Haemorrhoidectomy: Haemorrhoidectomy is a procedure performed by a general surgeon, which involves surgical excision of a haemorrhoid. A general surgeon performs this procedure in cases of severe symptomatic haemorrhoids that fail conservative management. Cost of a haemorrhoidectomy surgery in India is approx INR 5,000- 20,000.
Femoral Hernia Repair: Femoral hernia repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to repair the femoral hernia. This surgical procedure may be performed anywhere in the groin region, or inner aspect of the upper thigh. A general surgeon performs this procedure to reduce the patient's risk of a future surgical emergency. Cost of a femoral hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 25,000- 50,000.
Hiatal Hernia Repair: Hiatal hernia repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to treat a severe form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A general surgeon performs this procedure for long-term management of GERD. The hiatal hernia repair procedure may take anywhere between 2-4 hours. Cost of a hiatal hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 25,000- 50,000.
Incisional Hernia Repair: Incisional hernia repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to repair incisional hernia. A general surgeon performs this procedure to reduce the patient's risk of a future surgical emergency. If a repair is not performed, the hernia may reduce or become irreducible, obstructed, or strangulated. Cost of an incisional hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 25,000- 50,000.
Umbilical Hernia Repair: Umbilical hernia repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to repair an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia repair involves the umbilicus and the different layers of the abdominal wall. A general surgeon performs this procedure to improve visual appearance, relieve pain and prevent the risk of incarceration and strangulation of the hernia. Cost of an umbilical hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 25,000- 50,000.
Hydrocelectomy: Hydrocelectomy repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to remove or repair the hydrocele. A general surgeon performs this procedure to repair inguinal hernia, which is usually associated with congenital hydrocele (in infants). Cost of an umbilical hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 12,000- 1,20,000.
Hypospadias Repair & Urethroplasty: Hypospadias repair & urethroplasty is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to repair a congenital defect in which the urethra is abnormally positioned. A general surgeon performs this procedure to prevent development of urinary-tract infections or if there are problems with erection.
Ileostomy: Ileostomy is a procedure performed by a general surgeon in which the ileum is brought outside, through an opening in the abdominal wall and connected to the skin. An Ileostomy procedure involves the abdominal wall and the lowest part of the small intestine. A general surgeon performs this procedure to treat complicated diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, trauma to the colon etc.
Kidney Removal: Kidney removal is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to remove a kidney. A general surgeon performs this procedure when there is suspected cancerous tumour within a kidney, extremely damaged kidney, kidney failure or transplantation of a kidney.
Laceration Repair Surgery: Laceration repair is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to clean and close a lacerated wound. A general surgeon performs this procedure when lacerations are greater than 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch deep or there are lacerations with jagged edges etc.
Laparotomy: Laparotomy is a procedure performed by a general surgeon on the abdomen that involves identifying, diagnosing or treating different types of conditions. A general surgeon performs this procedure to examine the abdominal organs, to collect tissue samples for further examination, to repair hernias within the abdominal wall etc. Cost of an umbilical hernia repair surgery in India is approx INR 1,70,000- 2,00,000.
Laryngoscopy: Laryngoscopy is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to examine the back of the throat, which includes the larynx (voice box), with a camera. A general surgeon performs this procedure to remove laryngeal polyps, individual nodules, and any additional benign abnormalities.
Lithotripsy: Lithotripsy is a procedure performed by a general surgeon that involves breaking-up stones within the kidney, using shock waves and without any surgical intervention. A general surgeon performs this procedure to remove an abnormal-sized kidney stone that cannot be destroyed by regular methods. Cost of a lithotripsy surgery in India is approx INR 15,000- 35,000.
Liver Resection: Liver resection is a procedure performed by a general surgeon that involves the removal of a part of the liver. A general surgeon performs this procedure to remove suspected cancerous tumour within a liver or stop excessive bleeding within a severely damaged liver. Cost of a liver resection surgery in India is approx INR 1,50,000- 2,50,000.
Lung Resection: Lung resection is a procedure performed by a general surgeon that involves the removal of tissue from within the lungs. A general surgeon performs this procedure to remove suspected cancerous tumour within a lung or when the lung is severely damaged.
Melanoma Removal: Melanoma removal is a procedure performed by a general surgeon that involves the surgical removal of the entire melanoma. A general surgeon performs this procedure as a treatment for melanoma skin cancer.
