Learn about a General Surgeon: Diseases They Treat and When to See One?
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.
How does a doctor become a General Surgeon?
To become a general surgeon, a person must complete an accredited undergraduate program and then attend medical school for at least four years. After completing medical school, they must complete specialty training in general surgery and attend a residency program. During the residency, they doctor will gain experience in surgery while learning from an experienced surgeon. To become a certified surgeon, the doctor must pass an exam given by the American Board of General Surgery.
What types of Illnesses do General Surgeons treat?
Surgeons often perform surgeries on patients when other treatments have failed or when surgery is the only option. In most cases, surgery can successfully treat an illness or disorder but cannot cure all diseases. Some of the common illnesses that general surgeons treat and types of surgery they do include:
- Hernia Repair
- Breast biopsies, core
- Breast biopsies, open/lumpectomies
- Colon cancer
- Hemorrhoids
- Gallstones
- Skin grafts
- Transplants
What are the different types of Surgeons?
There are distinct types of surgeons, and each one specializes in a different type of surgery. General surgeons can typically perform many of the same surgeries as surgery specialists, but specialists may have received more training in a certain area. Some of the types of surgeons include:
- Pediatric surgeon
- Vascular surgeon
- Critical care surgeon
- Neurosurgeon
- Oncology surgeon
- Retinal surgeon
- Oral surgeon
- Plastic surgeon
What are some common types of General Surgery?
There are many different types of surgery, and a general surgeon will perform the one that is right for each patient. Some surgeries are simple, and others are more complex. Some illnesses or diseases require different types of surgeries before the patient can be completely healed. General surgeons not only do the surgeries but also instruct the patients on how to care for themselves before and after to ensure that they heal as fast as possible.
- Tonsillectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Hernia Repair
- Hysterectomy
- Mastectomy
- Vasectomy
- Back surgery
- Colectomy
- Appendectomy
When to see a General Surgeon?
Many people aren’t aware that they will need surgery until a general physician sees them, diagnoses the disease, and refers them to a surgeon. There are many reasons why a patient may need surgery, but only a doctor or a surgeon can tell which surgery is the right one. Patients will rarely see a surgeon without being referred to one by another doctor or specialist. Some common reasons to see a surgeon include:
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