General surgery
General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of the skin, tissue and organs in any part of the body. It's a broad field that encompasses many of the most common surgical procedures, including appendicetomy, gall bladder removal, hernia repair, and many types of cancer, emergency and trauma surgeries.
A doctor who specialises in general surgery is known as a general surgeon. A general surgeon may perform a range of procedures, but may also have a special interest and experience in a particular area.
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Services overview
The general surgery team at Ramsay Private Hospital National Capital perform a wide range of procedures. Here are some of the most common. Click on the plus sign (+) next to any of the headings below for more information.
Obesity (bariatric) surgery
Bariatric surgery is a collective term for a range of procedures that can change a person’s digestive system to help them lose weight. Common examples include lap band, gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve surgeries.
Biopsies
A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of unusual tissue or cells from the body. These cells are then tested in a laboratory. Biopsies are often used to diagnose and assess serious conditions such as cancer, or to identify the cause of an infection.
Breast and endocrine surgery
Breast and endocrine surgeries can be performed to treat a range of conditions, including a number of cancers. Some examples of breast surgeries include lumpectomy, mastectomy and oncoplastic surgery. Some common endocrine surgeries include thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and adrenalectomy.
Cancer surgeries
The practice of using surgery to treat cancer is known as surgical oncology. Many types of cancer procedures are performed by general surgeons, including breast, skin and gastrointestinal cancer surgeries.
Colorectal and lower gastrointestinal surgery
Colorectal and lower gastrointestinal surgeries are used to treat a range of conditions affecting the lower digestive tract. Colorectal surgery may be recommended for issues involving the anus and rectum, while gastrointestinal surgery focuses on the colon. These procedures help manage symptoms and support long-term digestive health.
Emergency and trauma surgery
Emergency surgery is an unplanned procedure to treat an injury or illness that requires immediate, or very timely, attention. A person might need emergency surgery after an accident, if they develop a sudden, serious illness (such as appendicitis), or if they have an existing health condition that suddenly deteriorates.
Hernia treatment
A hernia is when an organ or piece of tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge. Hernia surgery aims to repair this by returning the abdominal organs and tissues to their correct positions and strengthening the weakened area.
Open and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
Most general surgeries are performed in one of two ways: open (traditional) surgery, or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
The main difference between the two is the size and number of incisions required. Open surgery usually involves a single large incision, while laparascopic surgery usually requires several very small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery also uses a special medical telescope known as a laparoscope.
Laparoscopic surgery can be less invasive than open surgery, which can allow for a quicker recovery time. However, it is not always possible or appropriate in every case. If you are considering surgery, your surgeon will discuss all of your options with you and give you advice based on your individual circumstances.
Upper gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery
Upper gastrointestinal surgery is an umbrella term that covers a range of procedures that can be performed on organs in the upper digestive tract. This can include cancer surgeries, hernia repairs and GORD procedures.
Hepatobiliary surgery refers to a procedure performed on the pancreas, liver, gall bladder or bile duct. Examples include gall bladder or spleen removal, bile duct stone removal, and liver resection.
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