General Surgery 

General surgery is a medical discipline that involves core knowledge of a broad base of conditions. General surgery is a medical discipline that focuses on a broad base of surgical procedures and involves applying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition and other core disciplines. General surgeons have specialized knowledge of and experience with the surgical process, which includes the initial evaluation and diagnosis, preoperative care, the procedure and post-operative management.  

What Does General Surgery Encompass? 

General surgery is used to treat a wide array of conditions, as general surgeons are trained in all nine of the primary components of surgery. These are: 

• The vascular system  
• The digestive (alimentary) tract 
• The abdomen and its contents 
• The skin, soft tissue and breasts 
• The endocrine system  
• The head and neck, including trauma and tumors 
• Surgical oncology (treatment of cancer) 
• Surgical treatment of traumatic injuries 
• Surgical care for critically ill patients 

What Does General Surgery Involve? 

Because general surgery is a broad discipline, the procedure details will vary based on the specific condition being treated. General surgeons can perform a wide variety of traditional and minimally invasive procedures, including: 

• Hernia repair 
• Stomach surgery 
• Appendix removal (appendectomy) 
• Colon and rectal surgery 
• Breast surgery 
• Gastrointestinal procedures including gastric bypass 
• Varicose vein removal 
• Wound repair 

What Can You Expect If You Need to Undergo General Surgery? 

Pre- and post-operative management and recovery recommendations will vary based on the type of general surgery procedure that is required for treatment, and your doctor will discuss these with you in detail. For example, if you are about to undergo a gastrointestinal procedure, you will likely be asked not to eat any solid food for a certain number of hours prior to the operation (typically after midnight the night before).  

The risks of general surgery will also vary based on the specific procedure, but a few common side effects include:  

• Soreness, pain and possible swelling, especially around the area where the procedure was performed 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Feelings of thirst 
• Sore throat caused by breathing tubes used during surgery 
• Restlessness and sleeplessness 

How Effective Is General Surgery? 

While general surgery can be anything from an elective procedure to emergency surgery, it is considered highly effective in many cases. Although general surgeons are often specialized in certain areas of surgery, they have an in-depth understanding of all of the body’s major systems and are trained to deliver optimal results regardless of the specific situation.  

Tampa General Hospital is a highly accredited hospital renowned for its many designations for surgical excellence. Our general surgeons specialize in common and complex surgical procedures, with individual departments in cardiology, endocrinology, organ transplantation, pediatrics and more. With a dedication to providing outstanding care and advanced surgical intervention in a comfortable, caring environment, TGH is highly regarded for the general surgery our healthcare professionals perform.