General surgery in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics

General surgery: What is it?

The general surgeon is a specialist in surgical procedures that affect a wide range of organs, including the abdomen, thorax and surrounding tissues.

He treats a wide range of pathologies, including:

• Digestive disorders (hemorrhoids, hernias, inflammatory bowel disease).
• Vascular diseases (varicose veins, aneurysms).
• Endocrine disorders (goiter).
• Trauma.
• Burns and tumors (benign or malignant).

He provides comprehensive patient care, combining medical and surgical procedures. He plays an integral role in the initial and ongoing care of patients requiring surgery.

Symptoms to look for

The symptoms of a condition that requires surgery can vary greatly from person to person, depending on the organ involved and the severity of the condition. However, certain warning signs are common and deserve special attention, such as

• Abdominal pain: Often the first sign of a problem, it can be acute, chronic, localized, or diffuse.
• Nausea and vomiting: Common with bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, or appendicitis.
•  Unexplained weight loss: a warning sign that may point to a diagnosis of cancer or Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis.
• Fever: Often associated with an infection, such as appendicitis or peritonitis.
• Jaundice: Jaundice of the skin and eyes due to a liver or bile problem.
• Constipation or diarrhea: Disturbed bowel movements may be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.
• Digestive bleeding: Blood in the stool or vomiting blood.

General surgery applications

Many medical conditions can require surgical intervention. Here are some common examples:

• Digestive system: Appendicitis, hernias, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis),cancers of the colon, rectum and stomach.
• Liver and biliary tract: gallstones, liver cancer, cirrhosis.
• Pancreas: Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer.
• Thyroid: Goiter, thyroid nodules, cancers.
• Abdominal Wall: Hernia, ventrations.
• Blood Vessels: Aneurysms, varicose veins.

This list is not exhaustive, and other conditions may require surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Minimally invasive surgery: A revolution

Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, miniature instruments, and a high-definition camera to perform procedures that once required large open incisions. Patients typically experience less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and shorter hospital stays.

With advanced imaging and precision tools inserted through tiny openings, surgeons can complete complex procedures with exceptional accuracy.

Recovery is typically faster because the body experiences less tissue trauma. Infection and bleeding risks drop as well. For most patients, the trade-off is simple: the same outcome, with a faster recovery.

Today, this approach has become the standard for a wide range of procedures, from gallbladder removal to certain cardiac surgeries.

Preparation for general surgery

A period of preparation is essential before any surgical procedure. This includes a detailed preoperative consultation with the surgeon to explain the procedure and its risks and benefits.

Additional tests (blood tests, electrocardiogram, medical imaging) are usually performed to assess the patient's general health. Specific physical preparation may also be required, sometimes including dietary changes, cessation of certain substances (smoking, certain medications),and preoperative fasting.

General Surgery in Turkey

On the day of your surgery in Turkey, you will be met at the clinic and taken to the preparation room. An intravenous catheter will be inserted, and the anesthesiologist will administer the appropriate anesthesia for the surgery:

• General anesthesia: You will be asleep throughout the procedure.
• Local anesthesia: Only the area being operated on is numbed.
• Epidural anesthesia: The anesthetic is administered to the spine.

Duration of surgery

The duration of the procedure varies greatly depending on its complexity. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Length of hospital stay

The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of surgery and your medical condition. It can range from a few hours to several days.

Convalescence and recovery

Convalescence is the period after surgery during which your body recovers. During this time, you will be prescribed pain medication. Special care will be given to the surgical scar.

Finally, you will gradually resume your daily and professional activities.