General surgery refers to the surgical specialty that focuses on the abdominal organs including the intestines, esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, small bowel, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It also covers the thyroid gland and the treatment of conditions involving the skin, breast, and hernias. As sub-specialization in modern medicine advances, the scope of general surgery is reduced though the practice still remains competitive.
Those authorized or certified to perform general surgery are called general surgeons. They are expected to have trained in emergency surgery as they are considered to be the first port of call to critically ill or gravely injured patients.
Some of the conditions treated by general surgery include hemorrhoids, gall stone disease, all types of hernias, acid reflux, breast flaps and tramoflaps, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, pectocele, and colitis.
Listed under this category are links to general surgery related references, news and updates, publications, directories, and groups and organizations.