Sometimes, in the case of a medical emergency, we don’t know which specialist doctor to approach. So through this article, we intend to give you a wealth of information about general surgery and when to approach general surgeons.
Why did we specifically choose “general surgery”?
Because people feel that “general” means everything else that is not covered by the specialized branches of medicine, right?
NOPE!
General surgery is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with surgeries for specific problems. By reading this blog, you will come to know about the conditions that can be healed by general surgery. As general surgeons in Vadodara, we intend to educate you about general surgery.
Also, we will love to share important ethical issues, tips on how to prepare for general surgery and how to find the best general surgeon, and the benefits of laparoscopic surgery.
Excited to read?
Let’s begin!
Overview
What does general surgery cover?
General surgeons specialize1 in surgeries and procedures relating to:
- The abdomen, digestive tract
- The endocrine system
- The skin, soft tissues and breasts
- The alimentary canal
- Traumatic injuries
- The blood vessels, neck, head
- Surgical treatments for some types of cancer
- Vascular surgery
- Paediatric surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Burns
- Organ transplant
As non-medical professionals, you may find it difficult to understand the various surgical procedures at times. As the best general surgeons in Vadodara, we intend to guide you in this regard.
To know more about it, you can refer to Wikipedia page2. To understand what the word “surgery” pertains to, that word can be divided into two parts.
For example, consider the word “hysterectomy.” In this, the word “ectomy” means surgical removal, and the earlier part of the word refers to the uterus. Thus, it signifies the surgical removal of the uterus.
This brings us to an interesting question.
Are all surgeries always planned?
Ugh… Not always!
Let us explain.
Classification of Surgeries
Surgery can be classified on the basis of urgency, risk, and purpose.
Classification of surgery on the basis of urgency:
As general surgeons in Vadodara, we classify surgeries based on urgency into the following categories:
Elective surgeries
Elective surgeries are preplanned. As general surgeons in Vadodara, we allow the patient to select a convenient date for the operation. Depending on the availability of surgeons, the operation is conducted.
Examples of such surgeries include surgeries for hernias and cataract extraction. Delay in getting them done does not cause any harm to the body.
Urgent surgeries
Urgent surgeries need to be done within 24 to 48 hours. They are called urgent surgeries because they are to be done in a short span of time.
Examples of such surgeries include those for the removal of the appendix or gallbladder.
Emergency surgeries
Like the name itself indicates, they are done in an emergency situation. Such surgeries are essential to saving lives.
Examples of such surgeries include those due to trauma or accidents and haemorrhage surgeries.
Classification of surgery based on the degree of risk:
As general surgeons in Vadodara, we have observed that whenever we suggest surgery to the patients, the first question that they have is-
Is it a major surgery or a minor one? In reality3, it is difficult to classify the surgery as major or minor, but based on the risk involved and possible complications, we still classify it as such.
Major Surgery
Generally, a surgery is classified as major if it involves major trauma to the tissues, a high risk of infection, and an extended recovery period. We, as the best general surgeons in Vadodara, classify the surgery as major if The risk is high. Examples of such surgery include laparotomy and nephrectomy.
Minor Surgery
Surgery is classified as minor if the risk involved is low. Cataract surgery or tooth removal surgery are examples of minor surgery.
Classification of surgeries based on purpose:
Diagnostic
Diagnostic surgeries are conducted to confirm a diagnosis. We, as the best general surgeons in Vadodara, suggest diagnostic surgeries if we feel that the patient has unusual symptoms.
It is performed to determine whether the patient has a specific illness, disease, or condition.
Examples of such surgeries include biopsies and endoscopies.
Ablative
Ablative surgeries are performed to remove deceased body parts. For example, surgeries to remove the gallbladder or appendix
Palliative
Sometimes we don’t have cures for diseases. In such times, we try to reduce the pain by conducting palliative surgeries. Examples of such surgeries include colostomy, nerve root resection
Reconstructive
Reconstructive surgery is surgery performed to restore normal appearance and function. Sometimes body parts are malformed by a disease or medical condition. In such cases, reconstructive surgeries are done to restore a normal appearance.
We, as general surgeons in Vadodara, feel that many times cosmetic surgery is confused with reconstructive surgery. But there are subtle differences between the two. Cosmetic surgeries are done only to improve the appearance, whereas reconstructive surgeries are done to restore the normal function of the body.
Transplantation
Surgeries done to replace the body’s organs fall into this category. Examples of such surgeries include liver and kidney transplants. We, as general surgeons in Vadodara, feel that we can save more lives if we pledge to donate organs after death or in the event they are brain dead.
Constructive
Constructive surgeries are performed to correct defects that were present at birth. For example, cleft lip repair
Well, this is a brief description of the types of surgeries that we do. But often, patients have many questions prior to the surgery.
As the best general surgeons in Vadodara, we try to make sure the patient is comfortable prior to surgery and during the recovery. You should note the following points if you are going to be operated on:
Tips for Pre-surgery preparation
Medication
It is necessary to take medication as advised by the doctor. Also, it is necessary to tell us about any allergies that you have.
Eating and drinking
Eating or drinking just prior to surgery should be done as prescribed by the doctors. You should avoid alcohol or other substances because they can reduce the effect of medications. If you have any other pre-existing conditions, you should stick to the doctor’s diet.
Arrange for care at home
Post-surgery, you need someone to take care of you. In case you are all alone, there are institutions that provide support. You can contact them or inquire with us.
Make suitable arrangement for childcare
If you have a little one at home, then you should make arrangements for someone to take care of him or her. Lifting weights should be avoided after surgery, and children may throw tantrums. Lifting children can cause harm to the patient.
Arrange for grocery
Although this does not directly pertain to the surgery, you are at home.
Depending on the type of surgery, you need to make suitable arrangements at home. Special accessories are available that you can use in washrooms and other rooms and that can help you after surgery.
Such arrangements are most needed in the case of knee replacement surgeries and hip replacement surgeries.
Prepare yourself mentally
It is necessary to prepare yourself mentally before the actual surgery. This speeds up the recovery process.
As general surgeons in Vadodara, we notice that patients are okay until the time we are guiding them for surgery, but when it comes to signing the form just prior to the surgery, they are worried.
As the best general surgeons in Vadodara, we intend to guide you through the ethical issues involved in surgery.
Ethical Considerations6 Involved in Surgery
Patients are required to sign a consent form before surgery. It is regarded as legal consent for the operation. A consent form is required to prove that the patient is fully aware of the risks of surgery and the problems that may arise after surgery.
It is necessary to note the following points in relation to the consent form and your rights as a patient before the surgery takes place:
- As patients you have every right to be told all information that relates to your medical treatment
- You have got the right to refer your case to another surgeon for a second opinion.
- The surgeon has to explain to you in detail regarding risks involved in the procedure.
- The surgeon should also explain the dangers of not having surgery.
Well, even after knowing about general surgery if you want some handy tips on selecting best general surgeon in Vadodara, then here are some things you should consider
Look for referrals and testimonials
One of the best ways to look for a surgeon is to ask for referrals from your doctor or from patients who have had an operation from that particular surgeon. This helps to build trust.
Research each surgeon’s credentials
Look for surgeons who have completed a fellowship. Otherwise, you should always check out the credentials of the surgeon before finalizing any operations.
Check out the techniques applied
New technologies are emerging every single day. To get the benefit of it, you must assure that your surgeon possesses the required knowledge. Surgeons at Janvi Multispeciality Hospital are trained to perform minimally invasive surgeries through laparoscopic procedures.
Check out the facilities offered by the hospital
Just having a good surgeon is not enough. The hospital should have good facilities to take care of patients. Preferably, they should be NABH-approved.
As the best general surgeons in Vadodara, we have made every effort to inform you about the various types of surgeries that can be performed by a general surgeon. We also classified surgeries based on different parameters. We hope our tips on how to choose a general surgeon in Vadodara help you. We are always available to answer your questions.
What would you like to know more about general surgery?
Do let us know in the comment section.
Dr. A. R. Patel is the best general and laparoscopic surgeon in Vadodara. General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents that include the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, ducts, and often the thyroid gland.
You can contact Janvi Hospital to get an appointment with Dr. A.R. Patel.