Most common general surgery procedures

General surgery is a very important medical that covers a wide range of conditions requiring surgical treatment. General surgeons are specifically trained to operate on various conditions relating to the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, and soft tissues-from lifesaving emergencies to planned procedures.

In this blog, we will discuss common general surgery procedures, types of surgeries, associated treatments, and typical recovery times to get you well-prepared ahead of your journey with us at Sapthagiri Hospital.

Common General Surgery

• Appendectomy

Purpose: To remove the appendix due to appendicitis.

Procedure: This is normally performed using a laparoscopic method.

Recovery: Most patients return to regular activities in 1-3 weeks.

• Cholecystectomy

Purpose: To take out the gallbladder due to gallstones or infection

Procedure: Commonly in a laparoscopic procedure.

Recovery: Full recovery will take 2-4 weeks, though many light activities can be done within a few days.

• Hernia Repair

 Purpose: To correct hernias in instances where an organ bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle.

Procedure: This can be done either by open surgery or by the use of laparoscopy.

Recovery: Light activities can be resumed within a week and complete recuperation requires 4-6 weeks.

• Bowel Resection

Indication: Resection of damaged parts of the intestine is the common indication.

Surgery: It may be a laparoscopic or open surgery.

Recovery: This surgery takes about 4-8 weeks for a patient to recover from.

• Thyroid Surgery

Purpose: Treatment of thyroid conditions that involve cancerous nodules and hyperthyroidism.

Recovery: Takes up to 2 to 3 weeks before going back to usual activities.

•  Mastectomy

Purpose: Disease of the breast that ranges from, but is not restricted to, cancer, tumors, and other abnormalities

Surgery: Surgery ranges from a lumpectomy all the way to mastectomy; reconstruction may be indicated after a mastectomy

Recovery: Most people are back within 2-6 weeks.

Surgical Types and General Treatments

• Elective Surgery

Type of surgery that can be preplanned: Example: Hernia Repair and Gallbladder

Treatment: Time to prepare physically and psychologically

• Emergency Surgery

Emergency treatments such as for appendicitis or other traumatic injuries. These need to be treated right away to avoid complications that could be life-threatening.

• Minimal Access Surgery (MAS)

Laparoscopic and robotic surgery to make sure of precision and quicker recovery

Advantages: smaller incision, less pain and shorter hospital stay.

• Open Surgery

Traditional approach: larger incisions for more complex cases.

What to Expect During Recovery

1. Post-Surgery Care: This would be monitored in the recovery room to make sure that the patient's vitals are stable.

2. Hospital Stay: Depending on the procedure, but most of these minimally invasive surgeries allow same-day discharge.

3. Follow-Up: Follow-up care, management of complications.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Some temporary dietary or activity restrictions that may help in the healing process.

Bottom Line

We all can agree that undergoing a surgery can be very intimidating. At Sapthagiri Hospital, our highly experienced team is committed to make this experience smooth for all patients, right from the preoperative consultations to post-surgery recovery. With the latest technology, highly skilled surgeons, and caring staff, we make the experience of surgery as comfortable as it can get for you as possible at affordable prices.