Dr Ho’s General Surgery

What is General Surgery?

General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on performing surgical procedures to treat a wide range of common medical conditions and issues. It encompasses various surgical techniques and procedures to address problems affecting different body parts, excluding the brain, spine, and heart, typically handled by other specialised surgical fields.

In simple terms, general surgery involves the skilled hands of surgeons who perform operations to repair or remove damaged or diseased tissues, organs, or structures in the body. These surgeries can be elective, planned, or urgent/emergency procedures required to treat conditions threatening a patient's health.

Who is Suitable for General Surgery?

General surgery covers many medical conditions and plays a crucial role in healthcare. Here's a breakdown of the conditions that general surgeons commonly address:

Abdominal Conditions: General surgeons are experts in dealing with abdominal issues. Conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, hernias, and bowel obstructions often require general surgery for symptom relief and resolution.
Skin and Soft Tissue Problems: General surgeons are skilled in handling skin-related issues, including removing skin lesions, cysts, or tumours.
Breast Surgery: General surgery encompasses conditions affecting the breast, including breast cancer and benign breast diseases. Some surgeons specialise in breast surgery, focusing on breast-related concerns.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Patients with gastrointestinal problems, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or diverticulitis, may benefit from general surgery to manage their conditions effectively.
Thyroid and Endocrine Surgery: General surgeons perform procedures related to the thyroid gland and other endocrine organs, addressing conditions like thyroid nodules and hyperparathyroidism.
Vascular Surgery: Certain general surgeons have expertise in vascular surgery, which involves treating conditions like varicose veins or arterial blockages.
Trauma and Emergencies: General surgeons play a crucial role in trauma centres, where they handle traumatic injuries resulting from accidents or gunshot wounds, ensuring rapid and effective treatment.
Cancer Treatment: Surgical oncology, a specialised branch of general surgery, focuses on removing cancerous tumours. General surgeons work with patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, such as colon, stomach, or liver cancer.
Weight Loss Surgery: Bariatric surgery, a subspecialty of general surgery, provides an option for individuals struggling with severe obesity and associated health issues, offering a path to a healthier lifestyle.
Paediatric Surgery: General surgeons also perform surgeries on children, addressing conditions like appendicitis or congenital anomalies and ensuring the well-being of young patients.

Benefits of General Surgery

General surgery offers numerous benefits to patients by addressing a wide range of medical conditions and improving their overall health and quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits of general surgery:

Treatment of Medical Conditions: General surgery can effectively treat various conditions, including abdominal issues, cancer, skin conditions, and more. It provides a solution for patients suffering from these conditions, relieving their symptoms and improving their well-being.
Life-Saving Procedures: General surgery can be life-saving in emergencies, such as trauma or acute appendicitis. Surgeons can quickly intervene to prevent further complications and save lives.
Improved Quality of Life: Surgical procedures, such as weight loss surgery for obesity or joint surgery for arthritis, can significantly enhance a patient's quality of life by reducing pain, improving mobility, and addressing underlying health issues.
Cancer Treatment: General surgery plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Surgeons can remove tumours, lymph nodes, or affected organs to eliminate or control cancerous growths. This can lead to remission or improved cancer management.
Symptom Relief: Procedures like reflux surgery can alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing, improving a patient's comfort and daily life.
Preventive Measures: Some surgeries, like appendicectomy (removal of the appendix), can prevent future health complications, such as appendicitis, by removing the potential source of trouble.
Enhanced Aesthetics: General surgery includes cosmetic procedures that can enhance a person's physical appearance, such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Minimal Invasive Techniques: Advancements in technology have led to minimally invasive surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery) that reduces pain, scarring, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgeries.

General Surgery Services

We perform the following surgeries and diagnostic procedures:

Hiatus Hernia Surgery: This surgery is performed to correct a hiatus hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Surgery can help prevent acid reflux and alleviate related symptoms.
Gallbladder Surgery: Gallbladder removal, known as cholecystectomy, is performed to treat gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. It's a common procedure that can relieve pain and digestive issues.
Reflux Surgery: Reflux surgery, or anti-reflux surgery, aims to address gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) by preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. This can reduce heartburn and regurgitation.
Cancer Surgery: General surgeons specialising in surgical oncology perform cancer surgeries to remove tumours or affected tissues. The type of cancer surgery varies based on the cancer type and stage.
Skin Cancer Surgery: Skin cancer surgery is a medical procedure to remove cancerous skin lesions or tumours. It's a crucial part of the treatment process for skin cancer and aims to eliminate the cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery: Carpal tunnel release surgery treats carpal tunnel syndrome, relieving pressure on the median nerve in the wrist and alleviating symptoms like pain and numbness.
Colorectal Surgery: This includes procedures related to the colon and rectum. Surgeons may perform surgeries for conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Appendicectomy: An appendectomy involves removing the appendix, typically due to appendicitis. It's a common emergency surgery to prevent the appendix from rupturing and causing a potentially life-threatening infection.
Gastroscopy + Colonoscopy: These are diagnostic procedures. Gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract, while colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum for abnormalities, such as polyps or cancer.

Preparation for General Surgery

Consultation with a Surgeon: The journey begins with an initial consultation with a general surgeon. During this appointment, you'll discuss your medical history, current health status, and the reasons for surgery. The surgeon will explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives and answer any questions you have.
Medical Evaluation: You may undergo various tests and evaluations, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and electrocardiograms, to assess your overall health and suitability for surgery.
Preoperative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific preoperative instructions, including fasting for a certain period before surgery, discontinuing certain medications, and arranging transportation to and from the hospital or surgical centre.
Discussion of Anesthesia: You'll discuss with the anaesthesia team to determine the type of anaesthesia (general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation) used during surgery. They will also review your medical history and any potential anaesthesia-related risks.

General Surgery Procedure

Preparation: You'll be prepared for surgery upon arrival at the hospital or surgical centre. This involves changing into a hospital gown, inserting an IV line for fluids and medications, and possibly receiving medication to help you relax before being taken to the operating room.
Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist or nurse anaesthetist to ensure you are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
Surgery: The surgeon will perform the necessary surgical procedure, following the predetermined surgical plan. The surgical team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.
Recovery: After surgery, you'll be transferred to the recovery room, where healthcare professionals will closely monitor your condition as you wake up from anaesthesia.

General Surgery Recovery Plan

Follow Medical Advice: Following all postoperative instructions from your surgeon and healthcare team is crucial. This includes taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and adhering to dietary and activity recommendations.
Pain Management: Continue to manage pain as directed by your healthcare provider. If the pain becomes severe or unusual, contact your surgeon.
Diet and Nutrition: Gradually return to a normal diet as instructed. Adequate nutrition is essential for healing.
Physical Activity: Following your surgeon's guidance, gradually increase your physical activity. Avoid strenuous activities initially and prioritise rest.
Incision Care: Carefully follow instructions for incision care to minimise the risk of infection and promote healing.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to aid in the healing process and prevent complications.
Monitor for Complications: Be aware of signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Emotional Support: Surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a counsellor if needed.
Patience: Understand that recovery is a gradual process, and it may take time to regain strength and function.

Prognosis of General Surgeries

Positive Outcomes: Many general surgeries are performed to treat medical conditions, alleviate symptoms, or address emergencies. When performed correctly and in appropriate cases, these surgeries can significantly improve a patient's health and quality of life.
Cancer Surgery: For patients with cancer, the prognosis after surgery depends on the stage and type of cancer. Surgery can be curative, especially when cancer is detected early. In other cases, surgery may be part of a larger treatment plan, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Elective Surgeries: Procedures like gallbladder removal or joint replacements often have a favourable prognosis, with patients experiencing relief from pain and improved functionality.
Emergency Surgery: In cases of trauma, acute appendicitis, or other emergencies, the timely performance of surgery can be life-saving, and the prognosis depends on the promptness of intervention.

Risks and Complications of General Surgeries

Infection: Surgical sites can become infected, leading to complications. Proper sterile techniques and postoperative wound care are essential to minimise this risk.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can occur, requiring additional procedures.
Anaesthesia Complications: Adverse reactions to anaesthesia, though rare, can happen and may require immediate medical attention.
Blood Clots: Surgery can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or travelling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Scarring: Surgical incisions may result in visible scars, which can vary in size and appearance.
Organ Damage: There is a small risk of accidental damage to nearby organs or structures during surgery.
Adverse Reactions: Some patients may experience adverse reactions to medications or materials used during surgery.
Postoperative Pain: Pain and discomfort are common after surgery and are sometimes challenging to manage.
Delayed Recovery: Factors such as age, overall health, and the complexity of the surgery can impact the speed and completeness of recovery.