Most Common Operations Performed by General Surgeons
The most common operations performed by general surgeons include cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, appendectomy, and various minor skin procedures, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy being the most frequently performed procedure in the United States with over half a million performed annually. 1
Core Procedures in General Surgery Practice
General surgeons routinely perform a variety of procedures across several anatomical areas:
Abdominal Procedures
- Cholecystectomy - Most commonly performed via laparoscopic approach
- Appendectomy - For acute appendicitis
- Hernia repairs - Including inguinal, ventral, umbilical, and incisional hernias
- Bowel resections - For obstruction, diverticulitis, or malignancy
- Colectomy - Partial or complete colon removal
Skin and Soft Tissue Procedures
- Skin lesion excisions/biopsies
- Abscess drainage
- Soft tissue mass removal
Other Common Procedures
- Breast surgery - Including biopsies and mastectomies
- Endoscopic procedures - Upper and lower GI endoscopy
- Vascular access - Central line placement, dialysis access
Procedure Distribution and Volume
According to the evidence, general surgeons perform approximately 30% of pulmonary resections in the United States, though outcomes for these procedures are better when performed by thoracic specialists 2. This highlights how general surgeons often perform procedures across multiple specialties, particularly in settings where specialists may not be available.
In community settings, general surgeons commonly perform:
- Skin lump excision/biopsy
- Carpal tunnel decompression
- Vasectomy
- Simple hernia repair 2
Impact of Practice Setting on Procedure Types
The types of procedures performed by general surgeons vary based on:
- Practice location - Rural general surgeons typically perform a broader range of procedures compared to their urban counterparts
- Hospital resources - Availability of equipment and support staff
- Specialist availability - General surgeons may perform more specialized procedures in areas lacking specialists
Trends in General Surgery Practice
Several trends are affecting the procedures performed by general surgeons:
- Migration of minor procedures to outpatient settings - Many procedures previously performed in hospitals are now done in ambulatory surgery centers or office-based settings 2
- Increased subspecialization - Many general surgeons develop focused expertise in specific areas (colorectal, breast, etc.)
- Technological advances - Minimally invasive approaches have become standard for many procedures
Procedure Volume Impact on Outcomes
Higher surgical volume correlates with better outcomes for many procedures. Studies consistently show that:
- Hospitals and surgeons with higher procedure volumes have lower mortality rates
- Specialized training improves outcomes for complex procedures 2
This is particularly important for procedures like pulmonary resections, where thoracic surgeons demonstrate better outcomes than general surgeons performing the same operations 2.
Conclusion
While general surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy remain the core operations in most general surgery practices. The exact mix of procedures varies based on practice setting, with rural general surgeons typically performing a broader range of operations than their urban counterparts who practice in settings with greater subspecialty coverage.