Updated June 16, 2014.

Definition:

General surgery is the surgical specialty that focuses on the abdominal organs. Despite the term "general", surgeons that practice general surgery are highly skilled surgeons that typically operate on common abdominal complaints including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder surgeries, stomach and intestinal issues.

Surgeons who choose to work in a specialty first complete a general surgery residency before further training in a specialty.

Also Known As: abdominal surgeon, general surgeon,

Alternate Spellings: general surgeon

Examples: After the patient was diagnosed with appendicitis, the general surgeon was consulted to perform the surgery.