General Surgery
General surgery is the treatment of disease or injury using operative procedures. If there is not a course of treatment or medication to alleviate or cure a condition, there is no alternative to surgery. The doctors at Johns Creek Surgery, PC, are highly-trained surgeons who continue to learn the newest techniques in general surgery.
One-day surgery is also termed same-day or outpatient surgery. Surgical procedures in this category usually require two hours or less and involve minimal blood loss and a short recovery time. In the majority of surgical cases, oral medications control post-operative pain. Laparoscopy, hernia repair, and a wide range of cosmetic procedures are common same-day surgical procedures. Many individuals prefer the convenience and atmosphere of one-day surgery centers.
Purpose
General surgery can be used for routine in-office type procedures or for more complicated operations requiring a medical team in a hospital setting. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, removal of the gallbladder, is an example of this. Areas of the body treated by general surgery include the stomach, gallbladder, intestines, appendix, adrenal gland, and some arteries and veins, and the skin. Laparoscopic techniques are more efficient, promote more rapid healing, leave smaller scars, and have lower postoperative infection rates.
Diagnosis
General surgery experienced major advances with the introduction of the endoscope. This is an instrument for visualizing the interior of a body canal or a hollow organ. Endoscopic surgery relies on this pencil-thin instrument, equipped with its own lighting system and small video camera. The endoscope is inserted through tiny incisions called portals. While viewing the procedure on a video screen, the surgeon then operates with various other small precise instruments inserted through one or more of the portals.
Preparation
The preparation of persons for surgery has advanced significantly, Before surgery, a candidate may be asked to undergo a series of tests, including blood and urine studies, x rays, and specific heart studies if the person’s past medical history or physical examination warrants this testing. Before any surgical procedure, the physician will explain the nature of the surgery, the reason for the procedure, and the anticipated outcome. The precautions and risks involved will be discussed, along with the types of anesthesia to be utilized. The expected length of recovery and limitations imposed during the recovery period are also explained in detail before any surgical procedure. Results and recovery time vary from patient to patient.
As part of the preoperative preparation, surgical patients will receive printed educational material and may be asked to review audio or videotapes. Instructions will also be given to eat or drink nothing by mouth for a determined period of time prior to the surgical procedure.
Post-Operative Expectations
Advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques have greatly increased the success rate of general surgery. Patients experience shortened recovery times, decreased postoperative pain, and decreases in the size and extent of surgical incisions. The length of time required for a full recovery varies with the procedure. It is important to follow post-operative instructions to avoid complications after surgery.
The doctors at Johns Creek Surgery, PC, are leaders in the field of managing all aspects of the surgical patient: preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative care. The dedicated doctors and well-trained, caring staff strive to provide outstanding patient-centered care.