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Overview
Understanding General Surgery
General surgery covers the diagnosis and surgical management of a wide range of conditions, most commonly involving the abdomen, digestive organs, hernias and soft tissues such as lumps under the skin. It addresses problems that may develop suddenly, like severe abdominal pain, as well as long-standing issues such as a hernia noticed over months.
Read more about General Surgery
This care is relevant for people experiencing abdominal symptoms that need evaluation, those with a lump or swelling that requires assessment, and people who have been advised that a procedure may help resolve their problem. It supports patients through every stage, from initial evaluation to the decision on whether surgery is needed.
General surgeons assess your symptoms and examination findings, may use imaging or other tests to understand the problem further, and explain the treatment choices available, including when a non-surgical approach may be tried first. When an operation is needed, they guide you through preparation, the procedure itself and the recovery period.
Your first visit
At your first visit, the surgeon will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any factors that make them better or worse. They will examine the relevant area, such as the abdomen or a lump, and may suggest tests like blood work or imaging to understand the problem better.
What else to expect
Bring any previous test reports, scans or discharge summaries related to your symptoms, along with a list of current medicines and details of past surgeries. This information helps the surgeon plan the most appropriate next steps for your situation.
Conditions
Conditions this speciality covers
General health information about some common conditions in this field — not a complete list, and not confirmation that every treatment mentioned is available at the hospital. Please speak to a doctor about your own situation.
Hernia
A bulge that occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak spot in muscle or tissue.
Learn more about Hernia
A hernia commonly develops in the abdominal wall or groin, appearing as a lump that may become more noticeable with coughing, lifting or straining. It can remain stable for a long time but sometimes requires attention if it grows or causes discomfort.
Common symptoms
A visible or palpable bulge
Discomfort or ache at the site
Bulge that enlarges with straining
A feeling of heaviness or pulling
Occasional swelling in the groin or abdomen
How it is assessed
Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, sometimes supported by an ultrasound to confirm the finding.
Treatment options
Management options range from monitoring smaller, symptom-free hernias to surgical repair for those causing symptoms or at risk of complications.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix causing sudden abdominal pain, usually needing prompt evaluation.
Learn more about Appendicitis
Appendicitis often begins as pain around the navel that moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, sometimes with fever, nausea or loss of appetite. It requires timely assessment because the appendix can become more inflamed if left untreated.
Common symptoms
Pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Low-grade fever
Pain that worsens with movement or coughing
How it is assessed
Diagnosis is based on examination findings, blood tests and imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan.
Treatment options
Treatment typically involves prompt surgical removal of the appendix, guided by the surgeon's assessment.
Gallbladder disease
Conditions affecting the gallbladder, often related to gallstones, causing pain after meals.
Learn more about Gallbladder disease
Gallbladder problems frequently involve gallstones, which can cause pain, particularly after fatty meals, and sometimes lead to inflammation of the gallbladder. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more significant pain requiring urgent evaluation.
Common symptoms
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain after eating fatty food
Nausea or bloating
Pain spreading to the back or shoulder
Occasional fever with more severe inflammation
How it is assessed
An ultrasound of the abdomen is commonly used to look at the gallbladder along with a clinical examination.
Treatment options
Management may include dietary advice and monitoring for mild cases, or surgical removal of the gallbladder when symptoms are recurrent or significant.
Skin and soft-tissue lumps
Lumps or swellings under the skin that may need evaluation to understand their nature.
Learn more about Skin and soft-tissue lumps
Lumps under the skin can arise from various causes, including cysts, fatty growths or other soft-tissue changes. Most are harmless, but evaluation helps confirm this and decide whether any treatment is needed.
Common symptoms
A lump that can be felt under the skin
Gradual change in size
Mild discomfort or tenderness
Redness if infection is present
A lump that feels fixed or mobile under the skin
How it is assessed
Assessment involves physical examination and sometimes an ultrasound to understand the lump's characteristics.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the nature of the lump and may range from observation to a minor surgical procedure to remove it.
Digestive tract concerns needing surgical opinion
Ongoing digestive symptoms that may need a surgical evaluation alongside medical assessment.
Learn more about Digestive tract concerns needing surgical opinion
Some digestive symptoms, such as persistent pain, bleeding or a mass found on investigation, benefit from a surgical opinion to determine if a procedure is needed. This is usually done alongside other specialists as required.
Common symptoms
Ongoing abdominal discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel habit
Blood in stool
A mass found on prior imaging or examination
How it is assessed
Assessment combines history, examination and relevant imaging or endoscopic findings shared by the referring doctor.
Treatment options
Depending on findings, management may involve further monitoring, medical treatment or a surgical procedure.
Services
Tests, treatments and services
Charges and preparation apply to a consultation, test or procedure — not to a condition.
Common approaches in this speciality
General health information about how doctors in this field usually investigate and treat — not a list of services confirmed at Shreejii. Please ask reception what is available.
Consultations
General surgery consultation
An evaluation of your symptoms, examination findings and any relevant reports to plan next steps.
Why and what it involves: General surgery consultation
Why it is done: To determine whether your condition needs surgery or other management.
What it involves: A discussion of your history followed by a focused physical examination.
Diagnostic tests
Pre-surgical evaluation
Tests such as blood work and imaging to understand a condition before deciding on treatment.
Why and what it involves: Pre-surgical evaluation
Why it is done: To confirm a diagnosis and assess suitability for a procedure.
What it involves: Relevant blood tests and imaging as advised by the surgeon.
Treatments & procedures
Surgical procedure
An operation planned and carried out to address the diagnosed condition.
Why and what it involves: Surgical procedure
Why it is done: To treat the underlying surgical problem.
What it involves: Pre-operative preparation, the procedure itself and initial post-operative care.
Follow-up & ongoing care
Post-operative follow-up
Review visits after a procedure to monitor healing and recovery.
Why and what it involves: Post-operative follow-up
Why it is done: To ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
What it involves: Wound checks and discussion of any ongoing symptoms.
The hospital has not published verified charges for this speciality yet. Contact the hospital for a personalised estimate — the cost depends on the consultation, tests or procedure your doctor recommends.
Final bills depend on your treatment plan, room category and clinical needs. Insurance cover and cashless approval depend on your insurer and policy.
Not always immediately; smaller hernias without symptoms may simply be monitored, while those causing discomfort or growing are usually discussed for surgical repair.
How urgent is abdominal pain?
This depends on the pain's severity and associated symptoms, and sudden severe pain should be evaluated promptly rather than waiting.
Will I need a scan before surgery?
Many conditions are assessed with an ultrasound or other imaging beforehand to help the surgeon plan appropriately.
How long does recovery take after a general surgery procedure?
Recovery time varies with the type of procedure and individual factors, and your surgeon will give you a realistic estimate for your specific case.
Is a lump always a cause for concern?
Most lumps are harmless, but any new or changing lump is worth having evaluated to understand what it is.
Sources for general health information
This page is general health education, not medical advice. It has not been individually reviewed by a Shreejii doctor unless stated.