General Surgery

General surgery is a broad medical field that encompasses the diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical treatment of diseases in many parts of the body, primarily the organs of the digestive system. The stomach, esophagus, small and large intestines, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts are among the primary areas of interest in general surgery. In addition, many conditions such as hernias, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, thyroid diseases, and breast diseases are also treated by general surgery specialists.

General surgery is an expansive field that works closely with many fundamental areas of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, metabolism, the immune system, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, intensive care, and oncology.

General surgeons determine the cause of diseases with advanced diagnostic methods and modern surgical techniques, and when necessary, they plan surgical interventions and manage the entire treatment process.

What Diseases Does General Surgery Cover?

The general surgery department deals with many health problems, including both benign and malignant (cancerous) diseases. Its main areas of interest include:

• Esophageal diseases

• Stomach diseases

• Small and large bowel diseases

• Rectum and anal region diseases

• Liver and gallbladder diseases

• Bile duct disorders

• Appendicitis

• Inguinal and abdominal wall hernias

• Thyroid diseases

• Breast diseases

• Pilonidal cyst

• Hemorrhoids and other anorectal diseases

Additionally, general surgery plays a key role in the surgical treatment of many types of cancer, particularly digestive system cancers.

Subspecialties of General Surgery

Breast Surgery
The surgical treatment of benign breast diseases and breast cancers falls under this specialty. With modern surgical approaches, preserving breast tissue is the goal when possible. In cases where necessary, reconstructive (repair) surgery methods are used to achieve aesthetic and functional results.

Endocrine Surgery
Deals with surgical diseases concerning endocrine glands. This includes:

• Benign and malignant thyroid diseases

• Nodular and toxic goiter

• Thyroid cancer

• Parathyroid gland diseases

• Adrenal gland tumors

• Some pancreatic tumors
  These are surgically treated.

Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary Surgery (HPB Surgery)
Covers the surgical treatment of benign diseases and tumors of the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. Especially in cancer patients, after multidisciplinary evaluation, the most suitable surgical methods are applied.

Gastrointestinal Surgery
This specialty involves the surgical treatment of diseases related to the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques and minimally invasive methods (laparoscopy), patients’ recovery processes become more comfortable.

Obesity (Bariatric) Surgery
Involves surgical methods used for patients with high body mass index and health issues related to obesity. The most common procedures today include sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

Proctology Surgery
Deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases related to the large intestine, rectum, and anal region. The main conditions treated in this field include:

• Hemorrhoids

• Anal fissures

• Anal fistulas and abscesses

• Pilonidal cysts

• Fecal incontinence

• Colorectal cancers

What is Assessed During a General Surgery Examination?

In a general surgery examination, the organs of the digestive system, abdominal structures, thyroid gland, breast tissue, and anal region are thoroughly evaluated. If necessary, advanced imaging and laboratory tests are used to clarify the diagnosis.

What Tests Are Performed in the General Surgery Department?

The following methods may be used to reach a diagnosis:

• Ultrasound

• Computed tomography (CT)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Blood and laboratory tests

• Endoscopy and colonoscopy

• Biopsy

Depending on the type of disease, these diagnostic tests are evaluated together to create a personalized treatment plan.