What is a General Surgeon?

About General Surgeons

A general surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders affecting any part of the body focusing on patient care from pre-operation all the way through to post-operation. General surgeons identify if surgery is required based on the patient’s tests and examinations, what surgery is to be carried out, perform the surgery, and assess risk/manage any complications that arise before, during, and after surgical treatment.

General surgeons perform operations for many reasons, from treating or preventing diseases, repairing damage due to injury, and restoring function. Surgeons provide treatment ranging from the removal of tumors, gallbladders, and appendectomy to organ transplants, cosmetic surgeries, and treatment of burns.

General surgeons specialize in a vast array of treatments and diagnosis of internal injuries and diseases. Along with performing extensive surgical procedures, these specialists can also prescribe medications as well as analyze X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to ultimately decide if surgery is needed.

Surgeons can specialize in specific areas of the body including such surgical specialists as Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Ophthalmologists, Urologists, Proctologists, Neurosurgeons, Oral surgeons, Otolaryngologists, Vascular Surgeons / Phlebologists, and Plastic / Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons/Physicians to name a few.

General surgeons are supported by an expert team of medical specialists ranging from anesthesiologists to surgical nurses and technologists.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador