General surgery, despite the name, is actually a surgical specialty. General surgeons not only perform surgeries for a wide range of common ailments, but are also responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgery. All surgeons must start their training in general surgery; many then go on to focus on another specialty.
General surgeons are trained to operate on the:
- Alimentary tract (esophagus and related organs)
- Abdomen and its contents
- Breast, skin, and soft tissue
- Endocrine system
In addition, general surgeons are expected to have knowledge and experience in:
- Surgical critical care
- Surgical oncology
- Trauma
Despite the term "general", surgeons that practice general surgery are highly skilled surgeons that typically operate on common abdominal complaints including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder surgeries, stomach, and intestinal issues.