It’s common to hear the term “surgeon” when talking about hospital procedures, which naturally raises the question: what exactly is a surgeon? Broadly speaking, it’s a physician focused on removing or repairing parts of a patient’s body through surgical procedures.
Different Types of SurgeonsSurgeons use a range of tools to perform procedures on patients, but since the human body is so complex, many surgeons specialize in a particular medical area.
Depending on their specialty, there are several types of surgeons, including:
- General surgeon: surgically treats various conditions of the digestive system, intestines, colon, rectum, and so on.
- Neurosurgeon: specializes in surgery of the brain, spine, and nervous system.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: a dental specialty focused on treating conditions of the mouth and jaw.
- Pediatric surgeon: specializes in addressing the specific surgical needs of children, and may also subspecialize in areas such as oncology, fetal surgery, or adolescent care.
- Plastic surgeon: performs surgery aimed at improving a patient’s quality of life, whether for cosmetic, reparative, or reconstructive purposes.
- Orthopedic surgeon: provides surgical treatment for injuries or conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
- Surgical oncologist: specializes in surgery to treat cancer, or as palliative treatment when needed.
When Is It Necessary to See a Surgeon?There are several situations where seeing a surgeon may be necessary. In some cases, it’s urgent, such as after an injury or accident.
In other cases, it may be planned in advance when a specific, non-urgent procedure is needed, such as repairing a stomach hernia or removing skin cysts or tumors.
When it comes to specialized surgeons, patients have often already been seen by a specialist in the relevant area, such as an oncologist, gynecologist, or cardiologist, who will then determine whether a surgeon’s involvement is needed based on the patient’s specific condition.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for YouGiven how important it is to trust someone else with your body, it’s common for patients and their families to worry about choosing the right surgeon. To help build a good rapport with your surgeon and feel more comfortable and confident, here are a few recommendations:
- Good communication between both parties is important during the first visit with the surgeon.
- Ask about their credentials and training.
- Talk about the surgeon’s experience, as well as their team’s.
- If you know anyone who’s been treated by this particular surgeon, ask about their experience.
At ABC Medical Center’s Surgery Center, we can provide you with specialized care, helping you find the surgeon who can best support your health. Contact us!
