General surgeons are doctors who specialize in surgical procedures. Surgery is any procedure that alters body tissues to diagnose or treat a medical condition. A general surgeon is part of a surgical team that also includes an anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical technicians. You’ll talk to the surgeon about the procedure prior to surgery.

A general surgeon understands all nine basic areas of surgery, which are:

• The digestive tract
• The abdomen and its contents
• The skin and soft tissue, including the breasts
• The head and neck,
• The blood vessels and heart
• The endocrine system (hormones and glands)
• Surgical treatment of cancer
• Surgical management of traumatic injuries
• Care of critically ill patients with surgical needs