General surgery is a medical specialty that involves the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breast, skin, blood vessels, and endocrine organs. General surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures, from nail removal, appendicectomy , vasectomy, hernia repair to organ transplantation ( the list is vast ) and provide care for patients before, during, and after surgery. They also deal with emergencies such as trauma, bleeding, infections, and organ perforations.

General surgery is a broad and diverse field that offers many opportunities and challenges for general surgeons. General surgeons can work in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, academic institutions, military services, or humanitarian missions. They can collaborate with other specialists, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, and cardiologists, to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for their patients. They can also pursue further training or research in one or more of the following subspecialties:

• Trauma surgery: This involves the management of critically ill or injured patients who require immediate surgical intervention to save their lives or limbs. Trauma surgeons perform procedures such as thoracostomy, cricothyroidotomy, laparotomy, and thoracotomy to stop bleeding and repair damaged organs.

• Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and cameras to perform surgery inside the body. Laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring, and allows faster recovery. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove gallbladders, appendices, colons, hernias, and tumors.

• Bariatric surgery: This is a type of weight-loss surgery that alters the digestive system to limit the amount of food intake or absorption. Bariatric surgery can help obese patients lose weight and improve their health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery can be performed laparoscopically or through open surgery.

• Vascular surgery: This involves the treatment of diseases affecting the arteries and veins, such as aneurysms, blockages, varicose veins, and ulcers. Vascular surgeons use various techniques such as angioplasty, stenting, bypass grafting, endarterectomy, and amputation to restore blood flow and prevent complications.

• Endocrine surgery: This involves the removal of abnormal or diseased glands that produce hormones, such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands. Endocrine surgeons treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, and tumors.

• Pediatric surgery: This involves the surgical care of children from birth to adolescence. Pediatric surgeons treat congenital anomalies, infections, injuries, tumors, and other disorders affecting the head and neck, chest, abdomen, urogenital system, and extremities. Pediatric surgeons also perform neonatal surgery for premature or critically ill newborns.

If you want to pursue a career in general surgery, you can apply for the post-graduate courses in general surgery provided by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai (CPS). CPS offers a two-year Diploma ( DGS ) course and a three-year fellowship ( Fellowship in General Surgery ) course that covers the theory and practice of general surgery and its subspecialties. The three year Fellowship program is NMC recognised and included in Schedule 1 of NMC act.

In conclusion, general surgery is a rewarding and challenging career that requires dedication, passion, and lifelong learning. General surgeons can make a difference in the lives of many patients by providing them with quality surgical care and improving their health outcomes.