General surgeons provide surgical interventions for a wide range of conditions involving the abdomen, digestive tract, and endocrine system. When patients work with general surgeons, they may experience shorter recovery times with less pain in robotic surgical procedures, as well as comprehensive pre-surgical and post-surgical care. If you are searching for information about general surgical procedures, here is more information about some services a general surgeon may offer:
General Surgeons
Some may view surgery as a single event, but general surgeons oversee the entire clinical pathway for a patient to help improve results from surgery. Because they specialize in the broad care of abdominal organs, a general surgeon also manages diseases of the breast, skin, and soft tissue. A general surgeon treats various issues:
- Colon conditions, such as diverticulitis
- Breast cancer
- Gastrointestinal conditions, such as hernias
When a patient receives a diagnosis that requires surgery, surgeons develop a treatment plan, and they coordinate with other specialists if needed. Surgeons may offer services such as robotic surgery and prehabilitation programs. To support the patient during the healing phase, they also provide post-surgical pain management.
Prehabilitation Programs
Prehabilitation is a type of program used to improve a patient’s physical health and mental state before a procedure. Patients engage in nutritional counseling to prepare their bodies for the stress of surgery; they might also participate in specific exercise regimens. Because this preparation strengthens the body, it may help older patients recover more effectively after an operation. These programs include physical therapy and lifestyle changes, and they help patients build the strength needed for a successful recovery.
Surgical Techniques
Although traditional open surgery remains an option for surgeons, many surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to reduce the size of incisions. These procedures involve small cuts where the surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments. Minimally invasive surgery leads to less scarring and shorter hospital stays; it also reduces the risk of infection. Because the body experiences less trauma, patients can return to their normal activities faster than with open operations.
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses a computer-controlled console to move instruments. The system provides high-definition views of the surgical site, and it allows for greater precision in tight spaces. Surgeons use robotic surgery to perform complex tasks with tiny tools. This technology is used for gallbladder removals or hernia repairs, and the surgeon remains in complete control of every movement.
Pain Management
Post-surgical pain management is the process of controlling discomfort after an operation. Surgeons create a personalized plan for every patient to help them stay more comfortable during recovery. If the pain level changes, the medical team adjusts the medication or the delivery method. A successful plan allows patients to move sooner, and this activity helps prevent complications such as blood clots or pneumonia.
Learn More About General Surgeons
General surgeons treat diseases of the abdomen and manage conditions such as breast cancer or diverticulitis. These professionals offer advanced services such as robotic surgery, and they also provide prehabilitation programs. Working with a skilled surgeon helps patients navigate the stages of prehabilitation, surgery, and recovery. To learn more about general surgical procedures and what they can do for you, consult a general surgeon near you.
