A general surgeon is a medical professional who performs surgery on patients. General surgeons typically perform common surgeries and have attended college and medical school to learn the skills needed to perform them successfully. They also care for their patients before and after operations and can give an accurate prognosis after the surgery is complete and the patient has had time to heal.

Hand surgery is a field that helps patients with a variety of health issues involving the hands. This can include both surgical and non-surgical care. These doctors treat conditions that present not only in the hands but also the arms. These conditions may include infections, abrasions, injuries, and arthritis. Surgeons trained in orthopedic surgery, general surgery, and even plastic surgery are all qualified to perform surgeries on the hands or provide other treatment for this area.