Are you curious to know about the role of a General Surgeon? India’s leading laparoscopic surgeon Dr Amita Jain shares the insight
General surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on a variety of procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries. It involves the use of a wide range of surgical techniques and technologies, including laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic surgery.
Who is a General Surgeon?
- A general surgeon is a doctor who performs a variety of operations, from laparoscopic to endoscopic procedures, as well as cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
- From initial evaluation through preparation, procedure, and postoperative care, a general surgeon has specialized knowledge of the entire surgery process.
- They are skilled to perform small outpatient procedures to complex operations
- They work closely with healthcare professionals, such as Anaesthesiologists, radiologists, and nurses, to ensure optimal patient care.
- They are skilled at managing trauma, vascular and neurological conditions, as well as cancers.
- They are trained to manage preoperative, operative, and postoperative care for patients.
What do they do?
From simple excisions of lesions and cysts to more complex cases such as colectomies, procedures on the bowel and liver, gallbladder removal, and complex hernia repairs, a general surgeon is highly skilled to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. Burns, cancer, head injuries, and neck injuries can also be treated by general surgeons. They also perform vascular and trauma surgery which always involves critical care.
A general surgeon treats 4 main areas:
- The digestive tract,
- The abdomen,
- The breast, skin and soft tissue, including cancers and
- The endocrine system
What kind of surgeries do they perform?
Prior to any surgery, a general surgeon is responsible for assessing the patient’s medical condition and determining whether surgery is the best treatment option. They will also explain the procedure to the patient, obtain their consent, and ensure that they are adequately prepared for surgery.
Dr Amita Jain, a reputed General and Laparoscopic surgeon list a few common surgeries that fall within the scope of a general surgeon:
Appendectomy: It is a surgical procedure to remove the inflamed or infected appendix (a narrow, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from the colon). Appendectomies are usually done laparoscopically, which is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure.
Breast surgery: General surgeons perform breast surgery such as lumpectomies, mastectomies, and reconstructive surgery on the breast. They may also perform biopsies of the breast to test for cancer or other abnormalities.
Colon and Rectal surgery: This is done to treat patients with bowel obstructions, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis and haemorrhoids.
Digestive tract: Gallbladder removal and GERD or Acid reflux surgery are the most common surgeries involving the upper digestive tract.
Endocrine surgery: It is done to treat hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, and other endocrine conditions.
Hernia surgery: A hernia occurs in the abdomen or groin when one of the organs pushes through the muscle or tissue that contains it. Surgical repair pulls the intestine back to its original location.
Splenectomy: Spleen removal or splenectomy is generally performed to treat conditions such as an enlarged spleen, a ruptured spleen, or cancer of the spleen.
Vascular surgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood vessels, which include arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. It can involve procedures such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, and endovascular repair.
Trauma surgery: It involves emergency operations to treat traumatic injuries, such as broken bones, wounds, and organ damage. It is often required in emergencies where time is of the essence, and the patient’s life may be at risk.
Finally, general surgeons provide post-operation care, to ensure that there are no complications from the surgery.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi