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General surgery is the medical specialty that encompasses the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the digestive system, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, thyroid, and soft tissues. The diagnosis and treatment process is planned through clinical evaluation, laboratory analyses, and imaging methods.
Digestive system surgery includes operations for appendicitis, gallstones, and diseases of the stomach and intestines. Open and laparoscopic surgical techniques are applied according to the type of disease. Minimally invasive methods provide the advantages of shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Oncological surgery applications include the surgical treatment of breast, colon, stomach, and thyroid cancers. Depending on the stage and spread of the tumor, resection, lymph node dissection, and reconstructive procedures are planned. The treatment process is evaluated by a multidisciplinary oncology board.
Hernia surgery and trauma surgery are among the important fields of general surgery. Inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias are treated with surgical repair. Emergency surgical interventions are of vital importance in cases of internal bleeding and organ injuries.
What Is General Surgery?
General surgery is the medical specialty that performs the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting different organs and systems of the body through surgical methods. Diseases of the digestive system, breast, thyroid, liver, gallbladder, and soft tissues fall within the scope of general surgery. It also includes the surgical treatment of common conditions such as appendicitis, hernias, and hemorrhoids. It comprehensively manages the preoperative evaluation, surgical procedure, and postoperative follow-up processes.
Which Diseases Does a General Surgeon Treat?
The field of interest of general surgery is as broad as a map of the human body and covers many important systems. The main areas that general surgeons deal with include:
- Digestive System (Esophagus, Stomach, Intestines)
- Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary Tract
- Breast Diseases
- Endocrine Glands (Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal Glands)
- Skin and Subcutaneous Soft Tissues
- All Types of Hernias
- Trauma and Injuries Requiring Emergency Surgery
- Anorectal Region (Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissure, Pilonidal Sinus)
As you can see, this list is quite comprehensive. One day, they may perform emergency surgery to save the life of a traffic accident victim, while the next day they may restore the health of a patient who has suffered from gallstones for years using a laparoscopic procedure. This diversity is one of the best indications of how dynamic and vital the field of general surgery is.
What Are General Surgery Operations?
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What Are the Surgical Treatment Methods?
The remarkable advances in medical technology have fundamentally transformed surgical methods. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” operation for every patient, we now have the opportunity to choose the most appropriate method according to the patient’s condition and the nature of the disease. These modern approaches accelerate the recovery process while minimizing the scars left by surgery. Today, there are three main surgical methods in use.
What Is Open Surgery?
This is the most traditional and longest-established surgical method. The surgeon makes a single, relatively large incision in the skin to comfortably access the area to be operated on. This allows direct visualization of the organs and enables the surgeon to perform the operation using their hands. Although minimally invasive methods have become widespread today, open surgery remains indispensable. For example, in cases of very large and advanced cancers, severe intra-abdominal adhesions, or emergency trauma cases involving uncontrolled bleeding, open surgery is the safest and most effective approach. Although postoperative pain and scarring are more noticeable, there are many situations in which it is lifesaving.
What Is Laparoscopic Surgery (Closed Surgery)?
Known among the public as “closed surgery” or “keyhole surgery,” this method has revolutionized surgery. Instead of making one large incision, several very small openings (usually between half a centimeter and one centimeter) are created in the abdomen. Through one of these openings, a thin instrument called a “laparoscope,” equipped with a camera at its tip, is inserted into the abdominal cavity. This camera magnifies the internal view and projects it onto a monitor. The surgeon watches the monitor while performing the operation using long, delicate instruments inserted through the other openings. To facilitate the procedure, the abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide, a harmless gas. Laparoscopic surgery offers patients several major advantages.
- Much less postoperative pain
- Much smaller and more aesthetic scars
- A faster recovery process
- A shorter hospital stay
- An earlier return to daily life and work
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery represents the pinnacle of closed surgery technology. In this system, the operation is still performed through small openings, but the surgeon sits at a special console in the operating room instead of standing beside the patient. Using the controls on this console, the surgeon directs the robotic arms positioned over the patient. These arms replicate the surgeon’s hand movements precisely and can even perform the operation with greater precision and dexterity. This most advanced technology in surgery provides significant benefits, especially during complex and delicate procedures.
- Three-dimensional, high-resolution imaging
- Instruments capable of much greater rotation than the human hand
- Elimination of even the slightest hand tremor
- Superior maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas
What Symptoms Occur in Appendicitis and What Is Its Treatment?
Appendicitis is the inflammation of a small finger-shaped structure called the appendix located at the beginning of the large intestine, and it is one of the most common emergencies encountered in general surgery. It usually occurs when the inside of the appendix becomes blocked by stool or a foreign body. If not treated promptly, the appendix may perforate (burst), leading to serious infections within the abdomen. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention without delay. The most common symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Pain that starts around the navel and settles in the lower right side of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
- Mild fever
- Abdominal bloating and an inability to pass gas
The definitive treatment for appendicitis is the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. This operation is called an appendectomy. Today, the vast majority of appendectomies are performed using the laparoscopic (closed) method. Through three small incisions made in the abdomen, the appendix is identified with the help of a camera, its blood vessels and base connecting it to the intestine are safely sealed and divided, and it is removed. Thanks to this method, patients experience very little postoperative pain, are usually discharged within one day, and can return to their normal lives within a few days.
Why Do Gallstones Form and How Is the Surgery Performed?
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores the bile produced by the liver. This bile helps digest fatty foods in particular. Sometimes, when the balance of substances in the bile is disrupted, sludge first forms, followed by gallstones. These stones may remain asymptomatic for years, or they may block the outlet of the gallbladder, causing severe pain or inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis). The best-known symptoms of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation include:
- Severe, cramp-like pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs
- Pain radiating to the back and right shoulder
- Pain triggered especially after a fatty or heavy meal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and indigestion
The permanent and definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones is the complete surgical removal of the gallbladder. This operation is called a cholecystectomy. Today, the gold standard for this procedure is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is usually performed through four small incisions around the navel. Under camera guidance, the surgeon carefully separates the gallbladder from the liver. The most critical stage of the operation is identifying the gallbladder duct and artery, clipping and dividing them without damaging the main bile duct. Thanks to this “critical view of safety” principle, the operation is completed very safely. Patients are usually able to return home the same day or the following day, and their bodies adapt easily to the absence of the gallbladder.
What Is a Hernia and Which Methods Are Used for Its Repair?
A hernia is, simply put, the protrusion of organs or tissues from within the abdomen through a weak point in the abdominal wall. This condition may result from a congenital weakness or develop later due to factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or straining. Hernias can occur in different parts of the body. Some of the most common types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Hiatal hernia
The only permanent treatment for hernias is surgery. The fundamental principle of modern hernia surgery is “tension-free repair.” Instead of closing the weakened area with tight sutures after returning the protruding tissue to the abdominal cavity, the area is reinforced with a synthetic mesh. This mesh is made of a biocompatible material and gradually integrates with the body’s tissues, creating a strong barrier in that region. As a result, the risk of hernia recurrence is significantly reduced. Hernia repair can be performed using open, laparoscopic (closed), or robotic methods depending on the type of hernia and the patient’s condition. In laparoscopic and robotic repairs, the mesh is placed behind the abdominal wall. This results in much less postoperative pain and allows patients to return to their daily activities much more quickly. Closed methods offer significant advantages, especially for bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernias.
What Are the Surgical Options for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and when diagnosed early, the success rate of treatment is very high. The treatment process requires a multidisciplinary approach involving many specialties, including oncology, radiation oncology, and general surgery. One of the most important steps in this process is surgical treatment. The main goal of breast cancer surgery is to completely remove the cancerous tissue while achieving the best possible aesthetic outcome. Today, there are two main surgical approaches.
Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
In this approach, the entire breast is not removed. Only the cancerous tumor is excised along with a margin of healthy tissue for safety. This preserves most of the breast and its natural appearance. This operation is particularly suitable for early-stage tumors. Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery almost always require postoperative radiotherapy (radiation therapy) to minimize the risk of recurrence in the remaining breast tissue.
Mastectomy (Complete Removal of the Breast)
In this method, the entire breast tissue is surgically removed. It is performed in cases where the tumor is large, there are multiple tumor sites within the breast, or the patient does not prefer breast-conserving surgery. Today, mastectomy procedures have also advanced significantly. Following skin-sparing or nipple-sparing operations, reconstructive (breast reconstruction) surgery can be performed by plastic surgeons either during the same procedure or at a later stage. This enables patients to cope more easily with the psychological effects of breast loss. Surgical options are decided together, taking into account the patient’s medical condition, the characteristics of the tumor, and the patient’s personal preferences.
When Is Surgery Necessary for Thyroid Diseases?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating the body’s metabolism. Various problems such as thyroid nodules, enlargement (goiter), or excessive hormone production (hyperthyroidism) may develop in the thyroid gland. While many of these conditions can be managed with medication and follow-up, surgery becomes the only and most appropriate option in certain cases. The main reasons for recommending thyroid surgery include:
- A biopsy result from a thyroid nodule indicating cancer or suspicion of cancer
- Excessive enlargement of the thyroid gland (giant goiter) causing pressure on the trachea or esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties or shortness of breath
- Excessive hormone production (toxic goiter) that cannot be controlled despite medication
- The cosmetic discomfort caused by the swelling of a large goiter in the neck
Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy) involves removing part of the thyroid gland (lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy). This operation is performed through a small incision made along a natural skin crease in the neck. The most delicate and important part of the surgery is preserving the structures located very close to the thyroid gland. The first of these is the tiny parathyroid glands, which regulate the body’s calcium balance and are usually attached to the back of the thyroid gland. The other is the nerves responsible for moving the vocal cords and enabling normal speech. An experienced surgeon carefully preserves these vital structures and completes the operation safely.
Do Conditions Such as Hemorrhoids (Piles) Fall Within the Field of General Surgery?
Yes, absolutely. Anorectal diseases, which are very common in society and often difficult for people to discuss, are an important area of interest within general surgery. These conditions can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. General surgeons specialize in both the medical (drug) and surgical treatment of these diseases. The most common anorectal conditions include:
- Hemorrhoids (Piles): A condition in which the blood vessels in the anal region enlarge, swell, and protrude.
- Anal Fissure: Small, painful tears in the anal skin, usually caused by constipation.
- Anal Fistula: An abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the skin that causes persistent purulent discharge.
- Pilonidal Sinus: An inflamed cyst, usually located in the tailbone region, caused by the accumulation of hair beneath the skin.
The treatment of these conditions varies according to the type and stage of the disease. A wide range of treatment options is available, from dietary modifications and medication to simple office procedures such as rubber band ligation and laser treatment, as well as conventional surgical methods for more advanced cases.
What Is the Role of a General Surgeon in Trauma and Emergency Situations?
General surgeons are the unsung heroes of hospital emergency departments and operating rooms. At any hour of the day, they are ready to respond to unexpected emergency cases. In situations such as traffic accidents, falls from heights, gunshot wounds, or stab injuries, they race against time to save lives. During trauma, the general surgeon is usually the leader of the trauma team. From the moment the injured patient arrives at the hospital, they perform the initial assessment, rapidly identify life-threatening problems, and plan the necessary interventions. Some of the lifesaving procedures a general surgeon may perform during these critical moments include:
- Emergency abdominal (laparotomy) or chest (thoracotomy) surgery to stop internal bleeding
- Repair of injuries to organs such as the spleen, liver, and intestines
- Insertion of a chest tube in cases of collapsed lung
- Surgical creation of a new airway when the airway is obstructed
This role demonstrates the extensive knowledge, composure, and rapid decision-making ability that general surgeons must possess. They are the physicians who stand on the fine line between life and death during the most critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prof. Dr. Ebru Ayvazoğlu Soy is a physician known for her academic background and surgical experience in the field of general surgery. After graduating from TED Ankara College in 1998, she completed her medical education at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2005. She completed her residency training in the Department of General Surgery at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine in 2012, obtained the title of Associate Professor in 2019, and became a Professor in 2024. She currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of General Surgery at Ankara Medipol University Faculty of Medicine. With nearly 100 publications in international indexed journals and numerous scientific presentations, Prof. Dr. Ayvazoğlu Soy is a member of the International College of Surgeons, The Transplantation Society, Turkish Surgical Association and the Ankara Surgical Association. In addition to her academic position at Ankara Medipol University, she also sees patients in her private clinic in Çankaya, specializing in general surgery, breast surgery, and endocrine surgery.
