General Surgery is a broad medical specialty that involves the diagnosis, surgical intervention, and treatment of diseases affecting many systems of the body. It deals with areas such as the digestive system, liver, bile ducts, hernias, breast, thyroid, and subcutaneous tissues. It also plays a significant role in emergencies such as trauma and acute abdominal conditions.

What Diseases Does General Surgery Deal With?

• Gallbladder stones and inflammation
• Appendicitis
• Stomach and intestinal diseases
• Hernias (inguinal, umbilical, post-surgical, etc.)
• Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas
• Breast diseases (cysts, fibroadenomas, breast cancer)
• Thyroid (goiter, nodules, thyroid cancer) diseases
• Skin and soft tissue cysts, lipomas
• Liver, spleen, pancreas surgeries
• Intestinal obstructions
• Traumatic abdominal injuries
• Cancer surgeries (stomach, colon, rectum, etc.)

Diagnostic Methods and Evaluation Process

General surgery specialists use various diagnostic tools according to the nature of the disease:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests and tumor markers
• Ultrasound, X-ray, CT (tomography), MRI
• Endoscopy, colonoscopy
• Biopsy and pathological examinations
• Consultation with other specialists if necessary (gastroenterology, oncology, etc.)

General Surgery Treatment Methods

Open surgery: Interventions performed using traditional methods

Laparoscopic (closed) surgery: A technique involving small incisions, offering less pain and a faster recovery process

Endoscopic procedures: Upper and lower gastrointestinal system examinations for diagnostic and treatment purposes

Day surgeries: Small surgical procedures that allow same-day discharge

Oncological surgeries: Removal of cancerous tissues and, if necessary, lymph node dissection

When Should You Consider General Surgery?

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Suspected gallbladder stones
• Swelling or pain in the groin or abdomen (hernia)
• Bowel problems, bleeding
• Detection of a lump in the breast
• Thyroid enlargement or nodule detection
• Swelling or painful lesions under the skin
• Trauma requiring surgical intervention
• Suspected or diagnosed cancer

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Support

• Detailed information and preparation before surgery
• Anesthesia assessment
• Post-operative pain management and wound care
• Diet and lifestyle recommendations
• Follow-up appointments and necessary referrals