GENERAL SURGERY

General surgery is a broad medical specialty that encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases requiring surgical intervention in various systems and organs of the human body. It particularly focuses on numerous anatomical areas including the abdominal cavity, digestive system organs, endocrine glands, breast, skin, and soft tissues.

Today, with the advancement of technology and surgical techniques, general surgery has diversified to include both open surgeries and minimally invasive (closed) procedures. This has increased treatment success as well as expedited the healing process for patients.

What is the Scope of General Surgery?

General surgery specialists perform surgical treatments for various diseases by specializing in numerous organs and systems. The primary areas of interest in general surgery are as follows:

Digestive System Surgery

• Surgical treatment of diseases of the stomach, pancreas, small and large intestines, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and esophagus
• Appendicitis, gallstones, reflux, intestinal obstructions, colon and rectal cancers

Endocrine Surgery

• Surgical procedures for diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal (suprarenal) glands
• Thyroid nodules, goiter, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal tumors

Breast Surgery

• Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and benign breast masses
• Biopsy, breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy

Soft Tissue and Skin Surgery

• Removal of subcutaneous masses, lipomas, cysts, and skin tumors
• Soft tissue infections and injuries

Anorectal Surgery

• Treatment of diseases related to the anal region and rectum
• Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, rectal prolapse
• Hernia Surgery
• Repair of abdominal wall hernias such as inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, and postoperative incisional hernias

When is General Surgery Necessary?

Situations requiring general surgery are typically related to health problems that do not heal without surgical intervention or pose a vital risk.

Common surgical requirements include:

• Appendicitis (acute abdominal pain and infection)
• Gallstones or cholecystitis
• Hernias (inguinal, umbilical, incisional)
• Colon and rectal tumors
• Breast masses and cancers
• Thyroid nodules
• Intestinal obstructions and bleeding
• Skin and soft tissue infections, masses

Surgical Techniques Applied

General surgeons use various surgical techniques based on the type of disease and the overall health status of the patient. These methods encompass both open surgeries and minimally invasive technologies:

Open Surgery (Traditional Surgical Method)

Open surgery is one of the classical surgical methods that have been practiced for many years. In this method, a wider incision is made in the skin to allow the surgeon direct access to the operation area. It is particularly preferred for removing large tumors, situations that are difficult to access organ-wise, or acute cases that pose a life-threatening risk due to the broad field of view it provides. Although open surgery allows the surgeon to have direct control over the tissues, the recovery process is generally longer, and it carries a higher risk of pain and visible surgical scars for the patient.

Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgical Method)

Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most significant innovations in modern medicine and falls under minimal invasive (less invasive) surgical techniques. In this method, a thin camera (laparoscope) and special surgical instruments are inserted into the body through several small incisions made in the abdominal wall. High-resolution images obtained from the camera are transmitted to a monitor, and the surgeon performs the operation guided by these images.

Among the key advantages provided by laparoscopic surgery are less bleeding, a lower risk of infection, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring on the skin. This method is commonly applied in gallbladder surgeries, hernia repairs, certain intestinal surgeries, and many surgical procedures related to women’s health.

Robotic Surgery

This high-precision surgery performed with robotic-assisted systems is especially used in challenging anatomical areas. It offers better outcomes and minimal risk of complications.

The Future of General Surgery with Technological Advancements

Rapid advancements in medical technologies are radically transforming general surgical practices. Today:

• Robotic surgical systems allow for more precise and controlled operations,
• 3D imaging and navigation technologies enhance the accuracy of surgical planning,
• Personalized treatment approaches enable the determination of the most suitable surgical method for each patient.

These innovations not only elevate the success rates of general surgery but also significantly enhance patient safety and satisfaction.

General surgery is of vital importance for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases; thanks to experienced surgeons operating in health institutions equipped with advanced technology today, many diseases can be successfully treated with minimal risk, inflicting the least harm on the patient and in quite a short time.