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What is a General Surgeon?

Introduction

A general surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgical procedures. They are trained to care for the whole patient in all the ways necessary, including surgery.

General surgeons perform surgeries for a wide range of common conditions, such as those of the digestive tract and abdomen.

Duties

General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the alimentary canal and abdominal contents, including the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Liver

Surgery is any procedure that alters body tissues to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

Team

A general surgeon is part of a surgical team that includes an:

• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Surgical technologists

Reasons to See a General Surgeon

You may need to see a general surgeon if you have a condition that requires surgery, such as:

• Appendicitis
• Cholecystitis
• Hernia
• Colon cancer
• Breast cancer