General Surgery 101: Common Conditions, Treatments, and When to Seek Care
Abdominal pain, hernias, gallbladder problems, and appendicitis can happen unexpectedly—and knowing when to seek medical attention can make a significant difference in your care. But how do you know when a problem requires surgery, and when can it be managed with other treatments?
On a recent episode of Bariatric Friday, hosted by Kemal Erkan, CHRIAS general surgeon Dr. Shreya Jammula discussed common surgical conditions, warning signs patients should recognize, and what to expect when visiting a general surgeon.
What Does a General Surgeon Treat?
General surgeons treat a wide range of conditions involving the abdomen, digestive tract, and abdominal wall. Their work includes hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, appendicitis treatment, bowel resections, and procedures for diverticulitis.
They may also perform upper endoscopies, colonoscopies, and procedures to remove cysts, lipomas, and certain skin infections.
Importantly, visiting a general surgeon does not automatically mean you need surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and any necessary test results before recommending a treatment plan.
Abdominal Pain: When Should You Seek Care?
Occasional stomach discomfort may resolve on its own, but persistent or worsening abdominal pain deserves attention. Dr. Jammula explained that age, existing medical conditions, pain severity, and accompanying symptoms all help determine how urgently someone needs evaluation.
Pay attention to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation, or pain that worsens when eating or drinking. If abdominal pain keeps returning or leads to repeated emergency room visits, follow-up with a healthcare professional is especially important.
Severe or rapidly worsening pain, particularly with fever or persistent vomiting, may require emergency evaluation.
Hernias: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Them
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or surrounding muscles. Common types include inguinal hernias in the groin and umbilical hernias near the belly button.
According to Dr. Jammula, hernias do not repair themselves. Although some may be monitored, surgery is generally needed to correct the underlying weakness.
A hernia that becomes increasingly painful, swollen, red, or stuck and cannot be pushed back in may indicate a serious complication. Seek emergency care if these symptoms occur, especially alongside vomiting, fever, or constipation.
Gallbladder Disease and Appendicitis
Gallstones do not always require surgery. However, symptoms such as right-sided abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort after fatty meals may indicate a gallbladder problem that needs evaluation. If an infection develops, treatment may become urgent.
Appendicitis can be harder to recognize than many people realize. Pain often begins near the belly button before moving toward the lower right abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite may also occur. Symptoms can vary, so suspected appendicitis requires prompt medical evaluation.
Diverticulitis and Bowel Surgery
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. Mild cases may be treated with medication and outpatient care, while more complicated cases may require hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, or drainage of an abscess.
In severe cases, such as when the bowel perforates, emergency surgery may be necessary.
A bowel resection involves removing a damaged portion of the small intestine or colon. Depending on the circumstances, the surgeon may reconnect the healthy ends of the bowel or create an ostomy. Recovery and follow-up depend on the procedure and the patient's overall health.
Your First General Surgery Appointment: What to Expect
Your first appointment is an opportunity to understand your condition and explore your options—not a guarantee that surgery will happen immediately. Additional imaging, testing, or follow-up visits may be necessary before making a decision.
Dr. Jammula encourages patients to research their concerns, keep an open mind, and bring a written list of questions to their appointments.
The bottom line: Don't ignore persistent symptoms or delay necessary follow-up. Early evaluation can help identify potential complications and determine the most appropriate treatment. If you're concerned about a surgical condition, visit CHRIAS.com to learn more or schedule an appointment.