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General surgery is basically a surgical specialty; a general surgeon is one who specializes in such a specialty. They not only perform surgeries but are also responsible for the care of the patients before, while, and after the surgical procedure. People who choose to become a surgeon start their careers as general surgeons and, in the later years, find their stream of specialization. General surgery in India is practiced and trained by medical professionals who perform operations on the esophagus and its related organs, endocrine system, abdomen, skin, breast, and soft tissues of the body. They also possess considerable knowledge in the field of critical surgical care, trauma, and surgical oncology.
General Surgery in India
Though the term general surgeon has the word “general” in it, general surgeons are truly highly skilled and efficient medical professionals who operate and treat conditions including hernias, appendicitis, intestinal & stomach issues, cancer, burns, gallbladder surgeries, and so on. They perform surgeries on various parts of the body that, include the liver, colon, gastrointestinal tract, etc. Such surgeries can be performed for transplantation, treating a medical condition, or removal and replacement of an organ.
These surgeries are carried out either through invasive or non-invasive methodologies. Laparoscopic methods that are non-invasive are used for stone removal and appendicitis, while organ transplant and removal demand invasive methodologies.
The Duties and Responsibilities of a General Surgeon:
Planning and Executing a Medical Procedure
As a general surgeon, you will be bound to ease the patient by hearing out their complaints, studying the entire medical history of the patient, analyzing the pros and cons of carrying out a surgical procedure based on the patient’s health records, and coming up with the best procedural plan. The factors of allergies, other medical conditions, and patient history have to be taken into account before suggesting surgery.
- Surgical procedure
Once the pre-surgical requirements are fulfilled, the general surgeon can perform the defining activity of the surgery. With the help of other staff like fellow surgeons, nurses, and support staff, the surgical procedure is carried out with precision. Completing fellowships in general surgery in India will help you gain the required knowledge and practice in performing such crucial tasks.
- Post-Operative Care
The duties of a general surgeon don’t just end after the completion of surgery. It is required to closely monitor the patient’s health post-operation. Prescribing nutritious diets, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up sessions have to be conducted with the patient regularly.
- Additional Treatment, if any.
This is a continuous stage that is to be handled by the surgeons who complete a fellowship in general surgery for a complete recovery. Any additional treatment that may include the usage of antibiotics, dietary suggestions, using sedatives, etc., has to be carefully taken care of by the general surgeon. By doing this, you will be able to get the patient ready for the surgery and also ensure a speedy recovery thereafter.
- Ensure a smooth surgical procedure
Though you will be assisted by supporting staff and fellow surgeons, it is your responsibility to check if all the equipment and the operation theatre are sterile and safe. It is also required to check if all equipment is functional and supervise the way the surgery will take place. It should also be your prime importance that the patient does not catch any infection or allergy during the surgery.
Highlights of a General Surgeon’s day-to-day role:
- Spending quality time with patients in accessing their medical history, discussing their case, and mentally preparing them for the surgery
- Preparing yourself with the requisites and training required to successfully carry out the surgical procedure
- Discussing with transparency about the possible outcome of the surgery, the possibility of success rate, and advising on the eating patterns before and after surgery
- Consulting and discussing with fellow doctors regarding the patient and his medical history
- Having a word with peer specialists and studying various techniques involved in performing the surgery with precision
- Being up to date with the advancements in surgical technologies like nanotechnology, imaging systems, etc.
- In the later years, you will also be required to mentor and offer experienced advice to young budding medical professionals like yourself.
Choosing to do a fellowship in General Surgery in India is a profession that is very crucial and important. You will have a wide range of choices in choosing your subspecialty, and it becomes the platform for your future growth. Choosing the right specialization depends on what interests you the most, whether a specific body part, what disease intrigues you for providing Treatment, or even pure scientific fascination. Whatever the reason, choosing a dedicated specialty to grow your career in is of utmost significance. Here are a few potential career paths that can be chosen by a General Surgeon:
A neurosurgeon is a surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis, Treatment, and prevention of brain, nerve, and spine disorders. They also handle cases that affect the flow of blood to the brain. To be precise, they perform surgical procedures that are related to the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system of the human body. You could also specialize in different categories in neurology, like disorders of the peripheral nerves in the legs or hands, vascular nerves, pediatrics, oncology, epilepsy, and so on.
- Heart Surgeon
A heart surgeon or a cardiothoracic surgeon is one who is experienced in treating ailments related to the heart, its valves, and its structures. Heart diseases are surveyed to be the most common reason for mortality worldwide, and choosing this specialization means that you will join a team of professionals who are in high demand. You will be able to treat patients who suffer from various difficulties like murmurs, tumors, blockages, etc.
- Plastic Surgeon
Often misunderstood to be a cosmetic profile, a plastic surgeon is more than a person who just does nose jobs or mole removals. They show their experience and expertise in helping people get back to normal life after suffering burns, being traumatized by accidents, or people born with abnormalities.
- Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons are the ones who mend and treat broken bones all over the body. In most cases, bone breakage is treated by a cast and rest. However, in specific cases, the bones have to be operated on to help the skeletal procedure get back to normalcy or replace the joints with prosthetics.
- Pediatric Surgeon
As the name implies, they are surgeons who perform surgeries on children and infants. The surgery may be the reason for varied conditions, including the Treatment of immature hearts. Any surgical procedure carried out for the betterment and Treatment of children is done by a pediatric surgeon.
- Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ophthalmology is a specific field of medicine that deals with the eyes of the human body. Ophthalmic surgeons perform such procedures on the eyes of a patient to correct glaucoma, refractive errors, or cataracts. They treat systemic conditions and diseases that can affect or impact the eyes and their vision.
As and till when we have humans who are subjected to ailments, disease, injuries, and old age, the need for general surgeons will continue to grow. When you practice general surgery in India, you enter a world of varied opportunities as the population of the world is expanding more and more. It is also reported that by the year 2026, the need for surgeons will increase by 13%. It is no doubt that you will have to be on your feet all the time, but the satisfaction and rewards it pays in return will be worth the effort.
The profile is tough and challenging yet gratifying on the same page. Choose to do your fellowship in General Surgery from Texila American University in academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua to gain an edge over your fellow medical aspirants. Apply with TAU-UCN right now and see your dreams unfold in front of your eyes!
General Surgery in India is practiced and trained by medical professionals who perform operations on the esophagus and its related organs.— Texila American University – Post Graduate (@TexilaPG) November 2, 2022
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