What does a general surgeon do?

General surgeons operate on patients to treat diseases and injuries. They repair damage to organs, remove diseased tissues, and seal open wounds. The American Board of Surgery states, that general surgeons may be qualified to perform operations on any area of the body, but they typically focus on abdominal organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, and gallbladder; breast, skin, and other soft tissue; the endocrine system; and the alimentary and digestive tract, which includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine. They may also provide care for critical and trauma units and oncology.