General Surgery

Expedient Treatment

For all manner of surgical procedures, ranging from simple skin lesion excision through to complex hernia repairs, the BVP can offer a rapid service, with surgery usually under a local anaesthetic, except for the most complex of conditions, or by client preference. With four clinics per week, and two to three operating lists every week, clients can almost always be offered care the same or following week.

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General Surgery Procedures

General surgeons are skilled in a wide array of procedures that address various parts of the body, primarily focusing on the abdominal area, but also including the breasts, skin, and soft tissues. Below is a detailed look at some of the most common surgeries performed by general surgeons:

1. Appendectomy

This procedure involves the surgical removal of the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine, which is usually performed urgently in response to appendicitis. Appendicitis is an acute condition characterised by inflammation of the appendix, which can lead to severe complications if not promptly treated.

2. Cholecystectomy

The removal of the gallbladder, this surgery is typically necessitated by gallstones that cause pain or infection. It can be performed using a traditional open method or, more commonly now, through laparoscopic techniques, which allow for faster recovery and reduced pain post-operation.

3. Hernia Repair

Hernias occur when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue. General surgeons repair these defects in areas like the abdomen, groin (inguinal hernias), and around the site of a previous surgical incision (incisional hernias). Techniques vary from open surgery to minimally invasive laparoscopic repairs.

4. Mastectomy

Performed to remove all or part of the breast, typically as a treatment for breast cancer. There are various types of mastectomies (total, partial, or radical) depending on the amount of tissue removed, which depends on the stage and location of the cancer, and patient and doctor preferences for treatment.

5. Thyroidectomy

This involves the partial or total removal of the thyroid gland, which may be necessary due to cancer, noncancerous enlargement (goiter), or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The procedure requires careful surgical skill to avoid damage to surrounding tissues, including the parathyroid glands and nerves associated with the vocal cords.

6. Colectomy

A colectomy involves removing all or part of the colon and is typically performed to treat or prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The procedure can be carried out via open surgery or laparoscopically.

7. Gastrectomy

This surgery involves the partial or total removal of the stomach and is most often performed to treat stomach cancer. It also may be used to remove benign tumors or to treat severe ulcers. Postoperative recovery and adjustment to dietary habits are significant aspects of care following a gastrectomy.

8. Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery includes various procedures aimed at helping weight loss, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. These surgeries are typically pursued after other weight loss methods have failed and significant obesity-related health issues are present.

9. Skin Lesion and Cyst Removal

General surgeons frequently remove skin lesions, which may be cancerous, precancerous, or benign but troublesome. They also handle cysts that are either aesthetically unpleasing or potentially problematic due to their size or location.

10. Vascular Surgery

While vascular surgery is a specialised field, general surgeons often perform basic procedures, such as varicose vein removal and port-a-cath placements for long-term medication administration or chemotherapy.

11. Breast Biopsy

Performed to remove a small section of breast tissue for laboratory testing, a biopsy can diagnose or rule out cancer and other abnormalities. This procedure can be guided by palpation, ultrasound, or mammography, depending on the location and size of the lesion being investigated.

Benefits of General Surgery

General surgery encompasses a broad range of procedures that play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions. The benefits of general surgery are significant and multi-faceted, contributing not only to the resolution of acute and chronic medical issues but also enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. Here are some key benefits:

1. Effective Treatment of Life-Threatening Conditions

General surgery is often the most effective way to treat potentially life-threatening conditions such as appendicitis, hernias with risk of strangulation, and various types of cancer. Surgical intervention can be crucial in stopping the progression of these conditions, removing diseased tissue, and preventing further complications.

2. Relief from Pain and Discomfort

Many surgical procedures aim to relieve pain and discomfort. For instance, gallbladder removal can alleviate the severe pain of gallstones, and repairing hernias can resolve painful symptoms and prevent future health issues related to the hernia.

3. Improved Functionality

Surgical procedures can restore functionality to parts of the body affected by diseases or abnormalities. For example, a joint replacement or repair of a torn ligament can significantly improve mobility and the ability to perform daily activities, leading to an enhanced quality of life.

4. Diagnostic Benefits

General surgery often plays a critical role in diagnosing diseases. Procedures like biopsies provide definitive evidence of conditions such as cancer, allowing for appropriate and targeted treatment plans that are crucial for effective management.

5. Preventive Care

Certain surgical interventions serve a preventive purpose. Removing potentially cancerous polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer, and removing an at-risk gallbladder can prevent future episodes of pancreatitis or gallstone complications.

6. Psychological Impact

Successfully addressing medical issues surgically can have a profound psychological impact, significantly reducing stress, anxiety, and depression associated with chronic medical conditions. Additionally, surgeries that improve cosmetic appearance, such as breast reduction or the removal of visible cysts and tumors, can greatly enhance self-esteem and mental well-being.

7. Rapid Relief and Recovery

Advancements in surgical techniques, especially the development of minimally invasive procedures, have significantly reduced recovery times and improved outcomes. This allows patients to return to their normal lives more quickly than they could in the past, reducing both the physical and economic impact of surgery.

8. Comprehensive and Coordinated Care

General surgeons often coordinate with other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered, leading to well-rounded treatment and care plans tailored to individual needs.

9. Innovation and Advancement

The field of general surgery is at the forefront of technological and procedural innovations in medicine. Patients benefit from the latest developments such as robotic surgery, enhanced recovery protocols, and precision medicine, which make surgical procedures safer, less invasive, and more effective.