General Surgery

Our general surgeons care for some of the most common reasons people need an operation, such as hernias, gallstones and breast or bowel problems. We're set up for planned operations, day-case procedures and round-the-clock emergency cover across our UAE hospitals. Both keyhole and open surgery are part of what we do.

What is general surgery?

General surgery treats the abdomen and its organs, such as the appendix, gallbladder and bowel. Its scope doesn't stop there. General surgeons also treat the breast, remove skin and soft-tissue lumps, and operate on endocrine glands such as the thyroid. They handle planned operations and surgical emergencies, by keyhole or open surgery. A general surgeon covers a broad field rather than one organ, and differs from a gastroenterologist, who treats many of the same conditions without operating.

Areas within general surgery

Bariatric surgery: Weight-loss and metabolic operations for people living with severe obesity, working on the stomach or digestive tract to support lasting change.

Breast surgery and oncoplastic breast surgery: Care for breast lumps and breast cancer, combining removal of the problem with reconstruction that restores the breast's shape.

Colorectal surgery: The colon and rectum come under colorectal surgery, which handles bowel cancer, inflammation and other gut problems.

Endocrine surgery: When the thyroid, parathyroid or adrenal glands need an operation, the affected gland is removed or repaired.

Head and neck surgery: Covers surgical problems in the neck and face, such as lumps, and stays separate from head and neck oncology.

Minimally invasive surgery: Keyhole methods let surgeons work through small cuts using a camera, so many operations no longer need a large opening.

Oncology surgery: Oncology surgery removes tumours and cancerous tissue, usually as part of a wider cancer plan.

Proctology: Problems of the anus and lower rectum, such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures, are handled with discretion.

Robotic surgery: Robot-assisted tools give a steady, magnified view during an operation, and the surgeon guides every movement; the robot does not act on its own.

Transplant surgery: Donated organs take the place of failing ones, in a field kept distinct from kidney-specific transplant surgery.

Wound care and colostomy care: A nursing-led service that looks after complex or slow-healing wounds and helps people manage a stoma after bowel surgery.

When should you see a general surgeon?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• A lump or bulge in your groin or tummy
• Ongoing pain under your ribs on the right side, or after fatty meals
• A new breast lump or a change in your breast
• Bleeding from your bottom, or a lump around it that won't settle
• A problem your GP thinks may need an operation

Severe, sudden or worsening pain in your abdomen can be a surgical emergency, such as appendicitis, a blocked bowel or a perforation, so seek emergency care straight away.

Many people reach a general surgeon after a GP or another specialist finds a problem that surgery can fix, though you can also ask to be seen when a lump or symptom worries you. Some conditions turn up during a scan or a routine check rather than because they hurt, so a surgical opinion isn't always about pain.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the surgeon asks about your symptoms and health, then examines the area of concern. To understand what's going on, they often arrange tests such as blood tests, an ultrasound or a CT scan, and sometimes an endoscopy to look inside the digestive tract with a small camera. If an operation is likely, you'll also have pre-operative checks so the team can be sure surgery is safe for you.

Treatment depends on what the tests show. Some problems settle with monitoring or medicine. Many need surgery, by keyhole through small cuts or by open surgery. Minor procedures may be done as a day case, so you'll go home the same day; larger operations can mean a short hospital stay and recovery. Your surgeon talks through the options and agrees the plan with you before you consent.

General Surgery at Mediclinic

Our general surgery teams treat planned and emergency conditions across Mediclinic Middle East. We offer general surgery in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Common operations range from hernia and gallbladder surgery to breast and bariatric surgery. Our cancer surgery is guided by a weekly multidisciplinary tumour board, and robotic surgery is available at our larger hospitals. Smaller problems, such as haemorrhoid banding and skin-lump removal, are handled in our outpatient rooms. Round-the-clock surgical cover means an acute abdominal emergency can be treated at any hour.