General surgery is a specialized discipline that involves the surgical treatment of systemic or localized health conditions. It plays a fundamental role in various branches of medicine, influencing core principles such as wound healing and the metabolic and endocrine response to injury.
The word “surgery” originates from the Latin term chirurgiae, meaning “handwork.” As one of the oldest branches of medicine, surgery is based on the principle of repairing diseases, injuries, or structural deformities that cannot be treated with medication or other non-invasive methods. In some cases, surgery may involve the removal of a diseased organ to restore the body's natural function and structure.
Surgeries are typically named after the organ or system being operated on. General surgery encompasses various endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, including interventions involving the:
When classified by system, common general surgical procedures include goiter surgeries, breast surgeries, and surgeries involving the esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, anal region, liver, and hernia. In some cases, general surgery also emphasizes preventive medicine to avoid the need for surgical intervention.
Due to its broad scope, general surgery requires close coordination with multiple medical disciplines. Many patients treated in general surgery departments have cancer, and their diagnosis, surgery, and post-treatment care are managed in collaboration with:
Another critical area within general surgery is traumatology. Since trauma patients often suffer from multi-organ injuries, effective treatment requires collaboration with:
In cases of severe multi-organ trauma, the Department of General Surgery plays a central role in coordinating care across these specialties.
Early Diagnosis and Preventive Programs
As part of its commitment to public health, general surgery departments conduct screening and follow-up programs aimed at early detection of colon cancer and breast cancer. These proactive efforts contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and intervention.
