General and digestive surgery: assessment and planned surgery

What general and digestive surgery treats

General and digestive surgery is the specialty that assesses and surgically treats problems of the abdominal wall, digestive organs such as the gallbladder, and the anal region, as well as minor skin and soft-tissue surgery. Not every consultation ends in the operating theatre: much of the surgeon's work involves confirming the diagnosis, explaining the options and deciding together with the patient whether surgery is appropriate, and when.

Common reasons for a consultation

• Abdominal wall hernias: inguinal, umbilical, femoral hernias or incisional hernias on previous scars; usually noticed as a lump that appears with exertion.
• Gallbladder and gallstones: gallstones diagnosed by ultrasound, with or without pain after meals.
• Proctology: haemorrhoids, anal fissure and other problems in the anal region — a very common reason for a consultation that is often delayed out of embarrassment.
• Cysts and skin lesions: sebaceous cysts, lipomas and other skin and soft-tissue lesions removed through minor surgery.

Pre-op assessment and planned surgery

At the first consultation, the surgeon reviews your medical history, examines the area and, if needed, requests further tests — blood tests, ultrasound or other imaging — to confirm the diagnosis. If surgery is indicated, it's scheduled as planned surgery: the pre-op work-up is completed, the technique, planned anaesthesia and expected recovery are explained, and any questions are answered before a date is set. Follow-up afterwards is also done at the clinic.

When to book an appointment

It's worth requesting an assessment if you notice a lump in your abdomen or groin, repeated abdominal pain after meals — especially if an ultrasound has already shown gallstones — bleeding or pain when going to the toilet, or a skin lesion that's growing or bothering you. Also if your doctor has told you your case may need surgery and you'd like an assessment or a second opinion. For sudden, severe abdominal pain, the right route is an emergency department, not a scheduled consultation.

The consultation is available at our centres in the Málaga area, with medical insurance or as a private patient.