Understanding Common General Surgery Types: Hernias, Gallbladder Surgery, Appendicitis and More

General surgery can sound intimidating, but many common surgical conditions are easier to treat when they are identified and addressed early. From hernia repair and gallbladder surgery to appendicitis and other abdominal conditions, understanding when surgery is recommended—and what patients can expect—can make the process much less overwhelming. 

During a recent Bariatric Friday episode, host Kemal Erkan spoke with Dr. Ellen Pekar about common general surgery types, the difference between elective and emergency procedures, recovery, and why delaying treatment can sometimes make a relatively straightforward condition more complicated. 

What Is Elective General Surgery? 

One of the most important distinctions patients should understand is the difference between elective, urgent, and emergency surgery. 

Elective surgery is planned in advance and performed under controlled circumstances. This may include procedures such as gallbladder removal or certain hernia repairs. Because the surgical team has time to evaluate the patient, complete appropriate testing, and prepare for the procedure, elective surgery can often be performed before inflammation or other complications develop. 

Urgent or emergency surgery is different. These procedures may need to take place within hours or within a day or two because a condition has become more serious. According to Dr. Pekar, these cases can sometimes involve greater inflammation, more complicated surgery, and a higher likelihood of needing hospitalization. 

Hernias and Gallbladder Problems Should Be Evaluated Early 

Two of the most common issues seen in general surgery are hernias and gallbladder disease. 

Hernias generally do not repair themselves and may become larger over time. However, seeing a surgeon does not automatically mean surgery will be necessary. Dr. Pekar explained that some patients who believe they have a hernia may actually have another condition, such as diastasis, that does not require surgical repair. 

Gallbladder treatment is also individualized. Two people may both have gallstones, but their treatment recommendations may differ depending on symptoms, overall health, age, medical conditions, and the appearance of the gallbladder. 

The goal is to develop a treatment plan for the individual patient rather than simply treating a diagnosis. 

What Happens on the Day of General Surgery? 

For many routine general surgery procedures, patients may be able to return home the same day. 

Before surgery, patients meet with the surgical and anesthesia teams, review the procedure, and discuss its risks, benefits, and alternatives. After surgery, patients recover while the medical team manages pain and ensures they can eat, drink, walk, and safely meet discharge criteria. 

Some discomfort around the incisions, mild nausea, fatigue, and a temporarily decreased appetite can be normal following surgery. 

However, patients should contact their surgical team if they experience concerning symptoms such as a fever above 38°C, redness or drainage around an incision, pain that is not controlled with medication, difficulty eating or drinking, chest pain, or anything else that feels significantly abnormal. 

Follow-Up Is Part of the Treatment 

Feeling well after surgery does not mean follow-up appointments should be skipped. 

Postoperative visits allow the surgeon to examine the incisions, evaluate healing, discuss what happened during the procedure, and review pathology results when tissue or an organ—such as the gallbladder or appendix—was removed. 

Family members and caregivers can also play an important role during the first few days by encouraging walking, helping the patient stay hydrated, monitoring recovery, and contacting the surgical team if something does not seem right. 

The Most Important Message: Do Not Wait 

Dr. Pekar’s key advice was simple: address potential surgical problems early. A new lump, unexplained abdominal pain, suspected hernia, or gallbladder symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. 

Early evaluation does not automatically lead to surgery. But when surgery is necessary, treating a condition before it becomes an emergency may allow for a simpler procedure, smaller incisions, and fewer complications. 

When it comes to general surgery, getting the right information and getting it early can make a meaningful difference.