Prof. Dr. Ebru Ayvazoğlu Soy
General Surgeon in Ankara, Turkey

A general surgeon performs surgical treatments for conditions involving the digestive system organs, liver, bile ducts, thyroid, breast, and hernias. They also play a key role in trauma cases and emergency abdominal surgeries.

General surgeons can perform many breast procedures such as removal of breast lumps or cysts (excision), fibroadenoma removal, drainage of breast abscesses, breast biopsies (tru-cut, incisional, excisional), breast reduction and symmetry procedures, breast cancer surgeries (lumpectomy, mastectomy), sentinel lymph node biopsy, and axillary lymph node dissection. These procedures are important in both the diagnosis and treatment of benign breast conditions and malignant (cancerous) diseases.

General surgeons perform many proctologic procedures such as hemorrhoid surgery, anal fissure surgery, anal fistula treatment, pilonidal sinus (pilonidal cyst) surgery, rectal prolapse repair, perianal abscess drainage, anal polyp removal, treatment of condyloma (anal warts), and rectal cancer surgery. These procedures play an important role in providing definitive treatment for anal and perianal conditions that affect function and quality of life.

Appendectomy, gallbladder surgery, stomach and intestinal surgeries, hernia repairs, thyroid surgery, and breast surgery are within the scope of general surgery. Many procedures are now performed laparoscopically (minimally invasively), offering faster recovery.

You should consult a general surgeon for issues such as persistent abdominal pain, suspected hernia, ongoing heartburn, symptoms of gallstones, or unexplained weight loss. These complaints may require early evaluation and treatment.

In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon operates through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. This technique can reduce hospital stay and speed up return to daily activities.

In cancers of organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, breast, and thyroid, the surgeon removes the tumor surgically. They work in collaboration with oncologists as part of a multidisciplinary approach.

General surgeons repair various hernia types such as inguinal (groin) hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia, epigastric hernia, spigelian hernia, and other abdominal wall hernias using open or laparoscopic techniques. In many cases, mesh reinforcement is used to strengthen the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence risk. Hernia surgery is performed to prevent complications such as pain, bulging, and strangulation.

While the main aim of general surgery is functional recovery, aesthetic outcomes are also considered—especially in abdominal and breast surgeries. However, purely cosmetic procedures are typically performed by plastic surgeons.