General surgery General surgery
Surgery of the abdomen and abdominal wall: appendix, hernia, gallbladder, thyroid, breast, and many abdominal emergencies.
Who is usually sent here
Localised worsening abdominal pain, a palpable lump, a hernia, symptomatic gallstones, or a referral from gastroenterology.
What this specialty does NOT cover
Does not handle the medical side of the same organs. Chronic gastritis, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease belong to gastroenterology.
What a first visit usually involves
A careful abdominal examination, a review of imaging, then a discussion of whether an operation is indicated and by which route.
Bring with you
Original ultrasound or CT images, recent blood results, and a medicine list — especially blood thinners.
Worth asking
- What happens if we do not operate
- Keyhole or open, and why that choice
- How long is recovery and what help will I need