When you’re dealing with a health concern that may require surgery, knowing which type of surgeon to see can make a big difference in your care. Some procedures are best handled by a general surgeon, while others require the focused expertise of a surgical specialist. Understanding how these roles differ can help you choose the right provider with confidence.
Lisa Iucci, DO, FACS, is a breast surgeon who is board-certified in general surgery and treats a range of breast and general surgery conditions at Premier Surgical Network. She shares, “Every patient deserves the right level of expertise for their condition. Sometimes that’s a general surgeon, and sometimes it’s a specialist; the key is matching the patient with the right training and experience.”
Key Takeaways:
- General surgeons treat a wide range of abdominal, skin, and soft-tissue conditions.
- Specialists focus on specific or complex conditions that benefit from targeted expertise.
- The right surgeon for you depends on your diagnosis, needs, and goals.
What Is General Surgery?
General surgery is a surgical specialty focused on conditions involving the abdomen, digestive system, skin, and soft tissues conditions. General surgeons complete intensive five-year residencies that give them comprehensive training in operative techniques, emergency care, and diagnostic evaluation.
Conditions commonly treated by general surgeons include:
- Appendicitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Gastrointestinal issues such as diverticulitis or bowel obstruction
- Hernias
- Skin lesions, lipomas, and cysts
When to See a General Surgeon
Many everyday or urgent concerns are best evaluated by a general surgeon, including:
- Emergency surgery, such as appendectomy or sudden gallbladder attacks
- Outpatient procedures such as lipoma or cyst removal, and many types of hernia surgery
- Unexplained abdominal pain, masses, or digestive symptoms that may require further evaluation or imaging
General surgeons often serve as the first point of contact when the source of pain or symptoms is not yet clear.
What Is Specialty Surgery?
Surgical specialists focus on a narrower area of care, dedicating their practice to specific conditions or procedures. This concentrated focus allows them to manage complex, rare, or highly specialized cases that benefit from targeted experience.
Common surgical specialties at Premier Surgical Network include:
- Hernia procedures
- Breast surgery
- Skin and soft tissue disorders
- Gastrointestinal procedures
- Surgical oncology
Dr. Iucci adds, “Specialists are invaluable for complex cases that benefit from highly focused expertise. When a diagnosis becomes very specific, specialized care can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.”
When to See a Surgical Specialist
A surgical specialist is typically the best choice when you have:
- A complex case or need for a second opinion
- A diagnosis that requires highly focused expertise, such as breast cancer
- The option for advanced treatments, including robotic-assisted surgery, reconstructive surgery, or intricate oncologic procedures
Patients are often referred to surgical specialists after an initial assessment by a primary care physician or general surgeon.
Key Differences Between General and Specialist Surgeons
Here’s a comparison to help explain how these surgical roles differ:
| Category | General Surgeon | Surgical Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Practice | Broad: abdomen, digestive system, soft tissues, skin lesions | Narrow, highly focused, e.g., breast, gastroenterology, skin and soft tissue disorders, oncology |
| Training Path | 5+ years of general surgery residency | Advanced training and focused clinical experience in a specific area |
| Types of Procedures | Routine, emergency, and common abdominal/soft-tissue surgeries | Complex, advanced, or high-risk surgeries in a specific field |
| Technology and Techniques | Standard and minimally invasive approaches | Advanced, specialty-specific techniques (robotic surgery, advanced reconstruction) |
| Referral Process | The first point of evaluation | Typically requires referral after diagnosis or assessment |
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Needs
Finding the right surgeon begins with understanding your condition, but it also depends on expertise and trust. To ensure the best care, be sure to look for:
- A team that provides coordinated, compassionate care
- Board certification and credentials
- Clear communication and a willingness to answer questions
- Experience treating your specific condition
“A good surgical team will help guide you to the right place, whether that’s general surgery or a subspecialist,” says Dr. Iucci. “What matters most is that you feel supported, informed, and confident in your care plan.”
To meet with a board-certified general surgeon or surgical specialist at Premier Surgical Network, request a consultation today.
