General surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical management of a wide range of conditions affecting any part of your body. A doctor specialising in general surgery is called a general surgeon and is usually an integral part of your entire preoperative and postoperative care. 

Training in general surgery can take up to 5 years. A general surgeon has extensive knowledge in physiology, anatomy, pathology, nutrition, immunology, wound healing, intensive care, etc., and experience in nine primary components of surgery which include:

  • Head and neck
  • Endocrine system
  • Alimentary tract 
  • Vascular system
  • Skin, breasts, and soft tissue
  • Abdomen and its organs
  • Surgical oncology
  • Trauma
  • Critical illnesses

Some of the common conditions treated by a general surgeon include hernia, inflammation of the colon, gallstones, pancreatic diseases, acid reflux, bowel obstructions, appendicitis, vascular injuries, birth defects, cancers, and damage to other organs.  

  • The Clementine Churchill Hospital
  • NHS Royal Free London
  • UCL
  • NHS London North West
  • Royal College of Surgeons of England
  • ASGBI