General Surgery
General Surgery

General Surgery is a technical discipline that focuses not only on treating systemic and local disorders in the body through surgical methods but also on subjects such as wound healing and trauma. It is a major branch that has influenced many surgical and fundamental medical fields throughout its development. One of the most important stages in the treatment of General Surgery patients is ensuring that the patient returns to their normal daily life as soon as possible after surgery.

One of the key areas of General Surgery is traumatology. Since trauma patients may suffer injuries to multiple organs, cooperation with various departments such as Orthopedics, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Urology is often required.

A large proportion of patients admitted to the General Surgery Department are cancer patients.

Services Provided in the General Surgery Clinic

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Goiter (Thyroid Diseases)
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Diseases
  • Pilonidal Sinus (Ingrown Hair) Treatment
  • Treatment of Inguinal and Abdominal Wall Hernias (Laparoscopic and Open Methods)
  • Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
  • Esophageal and Reflux Diseases
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Diseases
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Small and Large Intestinal Diseases
  • Liver and Biliary Tract Diseases
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreas and Spleen Diseases
  • Endocrine System Diseases (Thyroid and Adrenal Gland Disorders)

Anal Region Diseases

  1. Anal Fissure
  2. Perianal Fistula
  3. Hemorrhoids

The General Surgery Department also plays a preventive role in early diagnosis and cancer screening — particularly for diseases such as breast and colon cancer — with the aim of reducing the need for surgery whenever possible.

When Should You Visit the General Surgery Department?

In cases of nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, acid reflux, jaundice, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, blood in vomit or stool, abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, or gas; as well as in the presence of lumps in the neck, breast, or any part of the body noticeable by touch or vision.

Goiter (Thyroid Diseases)

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located just below the “Adam’s apple” in the front of the neck. It produces hormones essential for life. In thyroid treatment, the decision for surgery is based on clear parameters. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) performed on small nodules provides valuable diagnostic information — determining whether the nodule is benign, malignant, suspicious, or undefined. Benign nodules typically do not require surgery, while malignant or suspicious nodules are candidates for surgical removal.

Breast Diseases

Breast surgery includes biopsy or removal of detected lumps, reconstruction of tissue defects after tumor removal, and evaluation or removal of lymph nodes in cancer cases. Not every lump requires surgical removal. Benign tumors such as fibroadenoma, lipoma, or hamartoma that are small and confirmed benign can be monitored through regular follow-up.

Gastroscopy

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) is a diagnostic procedure used to visually examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is used to detect various disorders in these organs. The procedure is performed using a thin, flexible instrument called a gastroscope, inserted through the mouth. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the examination for detailed laboratory analysis. Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, it causes no pain or discomfort.

Acute Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, which fills with pus. The treatment usually involves the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix — a procedure called an appendectomy — performed either via open or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.

Gastric Botox

Gastric Botox is a procedure performed endoscopically under anesthesia in approximately 30 minutes. It is suitable for patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 who have not achieved weight loss through long-term diet programs. The mechanism of action involves relaxing the stomach muscles, slowing gastric emptying, and inducing an early sense of fullness. It also reduces the secretion of the appetite hormone ghrelin. The effect begins around the 4th day after the procedure, and patients notice reduced appetite and satisfaction with smaller portions. However, the effect lasts about six months and is not permanent.

Endoscopy Unit

In our clinic, gastroenterology examinations are performed along with endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures. Patients are sedated with conscious sedation to ensure comfort during the procedures.

Procedures Performed in Our Clinic

Panendoscopy

Using an illuminated system (endoscope), the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are examined. Panendoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing many conditions, including peptic ulcers and cancers of the esophagus and stomach. It also allows minimally invasive treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including those caused by ulcers or varices in chronic liver disease.

Rectoscopy

Rectoscopy allows evaluation of the final 25 cm of the rectum and lower colon. It is essential for early diagnosis of rectal cancer in patients presenting with rectal bleeding. Certain types of hemorrhoids can also be treated during the procedure using band ligation.

Fibersigmoidoscopy

Fibersigmoidoscopy enables the examination of the final 60 cm of the colon and rectum. It is vital for early detection of colorectal cancer in patients with rectal bleeding.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy allows visualization of the entire large intestine and, when necessary, the end portion of the small intestine. It is crucial for the early diagnosis of colon cancer and chronic diarrhea. During the procedure, precancerous polyps can be removed, bleeding can be controlled, and intestinal narrowing can be treated using balloon dilation or stent placement.

Gastrostomy

Gastrostomy is an endoscopic procedure in which a feeding tube is placed into the stomach for patients unable to swallow food due to various medical conditions.

Liver Biopsy

Performed when necessary to allow microscopic examination of liver tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Urea Breath Test

A simple, reliable, and non-invasive test used to detect the presence of *Helicobacter pylori* in the stomach.

Stool Fat Test

A test performed to investigate the causes of chronic diarrhea.

Peritoneoscopy

A diagnostic procedure performed in our gastroenterology department that allows direct visualization and biopsy of the abdominal wall and internal abdominal organs.

Related Physicians

op-dr-ibrahim-halil-karakan
İbrahim Halil Karakan, M.D.
General Surgery