General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and bile ducts, as well as the thyroid gland and hernias.

General surgeons treat a variety of conditions, such as hernias, gallbladder diseases, appendicitis, stomach and intestinal issues, and they also perform breast surgery, vascular surgery, and skin lesion removals.

Typically, you'd be referred to a general surgeon by your primary care physician if you have a condition that may require surgical intervention. Symptoms or findings from tests and imaging can indicate the need for surgery.

Common procedures include appendectomy, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), hernia repair, removing parts of the intestines, and thyroidectomy.

Before surgery, you'll likely undergo a physical examination, review your medical history, and complete any necessary lab tests or imaging. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure, including risks and preparation instructions.

As with any surgery, there are risks, but advances in surgical techniques and safety measures have significantly reduced complications. Your surgeon will discuss specific risks associated with your procedure.

Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopy, involves smaller incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments, leading to potentially less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual. It may involve pain management, limited physical activity, and a gradual return to normal activities. Your surgical team will provide a detailed recovery plan.

You'll be instructed to fast, typically for 8-12 hours before surgery, to reduce the risk of complications such as aspiration. Specific instructions will be given based on your surgery.

Advances include the widespread adoption of minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, enhanced recovery protocols, and better pain management strategies, all contributing to improved outcomes and patient experiences.

Full recovery can range from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the surgery's extent, the technique used, and the patient's overall health and response to surgery.

Follow-up care typically includes postoperative appointments to check on your healing progress, manage any complications, and address any concerns. The frequency and duration of follow-up visits depend on the type of surgery and individual healing processes.