When Maria noticed a persistent bulge in her groin that wouldn’t go away, she hesitated for weeks. Was it serious? Would surgery mean weeks off work? After finally consulting a surgeon, she learned her inguinal hernia could be repaired with a minimally invasive approach—small incisions, faster recovery, and back to her daily routine in days, not weeks. Maria’s story reflects thousands of patients who find relief and clarity through general surgery services that blend advanced techniques, transparent preoperative guidance, and board-certified expertise across multiple locations.

At Liv Hospital, general surgery encompasses far more than emergency appendectomies. It includes a full spectrum of care for abdominal, digestive, endocrine, breast, and soft-tissue conditions. Whether you’re managing gallstones, thyroid nodules, or a new skin lesion, understanding what general surgery covers—and how modern techniques reduce pain, scarring, and downtime—empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.

Scope of General Surgery at Liv Hospital

What General Surgery Covers: General surgery addresses conditions involving the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine organs (thyroid, parathyroid), breast tissue, and skin or soft-tissue structures. This specialty treats both acute emergencies—like appendicitis or perforated ulcers—and elective procedures such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and thyroid surgery.

Comprehensive services include diagnosis through physical examination and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), treatment planning with minimally invasive options when appropriate, and postoperative follow-up to ensure safe recovery. Our team treats hernias, gallbladder disease, and colorectal conditions with evidence-based protocols tailored to each patient’s anatomy, health status, and goals.

When to See a General Surgeon: Schedule an evaluation if you experience persistent groin or abdominal bulges, right upper abdominal pain after eating (suggesting gallstones), sudden severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic heartburn unresponsive to medication, or a new lump that’s growing or painful. Referrals from primary care providers are common, but many patients self-refer for second opinions or direct consultation. Early assessment can prevent complications and clarify whether surgery is necessary—or if watchful waiting and lifestyle changes suffice.

Conditions We Treat

Abdominal and Digestive Conditions: Hernias—inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), ventral (abdominal wall), and incisional (post-surgical)—are among the most frequent reasons patients seek general surgery. Gallbladder disease, including gallstones and biliary colic, often requires laparoscopic cholecystectomy to relieve pain and prevent infection. Appendicitis demands prompt appendectomy to avoid rupture and peritonitis.

Colorectal problems—hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, diverticulitis, and polyps—are evaluated and treated with procedures ranging from office-based hemorrhoid banding to laparoscopic colon resections. Reflux-related issues, abdominal pain from ulcers or adhesions, and soft-tissue masses in the abdominal wall also fall within general surgery’s scope.

Endocrine Conditions: Thyroid nodules, goiter, thyroid cancer, and hyperparathyroidism are managed surgically when medical treatment is insufficient or when biopsy results indicate malignancy. Thyroidectomy and parathyroid surgery are performed with nerve monitoring to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve and careful calcium management to prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

Breast and Soft-Tissue Conditions: Benign breast disease—cysts, fibroadenomas, and nipple discharge—may require excisional biopsy or lumpectomy. Soft-tissue tumors such as lipomas (fatty lumps) and sebaceous cysts are removed under local anesthesia in outpatient settings, with pathology review to rule out malignancy.

Urgency and Triage: Emergency cases—ruptured appendix, strangulated hernia, acute cholecystitis—are triaged to the operating room within hours. Scheduled procedures are coordinated with preoperative testing, anesthesia consultation, and patient education to optimize outcomes and reduce anxiety.

Procedures and Surgical Approaches

Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Options: Minimally invasive surgery can reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time compared to traditional open techniques. Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to visualize internal organs; robotic surgery adds three-dimensional imaging and wristed instruments for precision in tight anatomical spaces. Evidence-based approaches match the surgical technique to the condition, patient anatomy, and surgeon expertise—ensuring safety and the best chance for rapid return to normal activities.

Hernia Repair: Inguinal hernias (groin), ventral hernias (abdominal wall), and incisional hernias (after previous surgery) are repaired with open or laparoscopic techniques, often reinforced with synthetic mesh to reduce recurrence. Open hernia repair involves a single larger incision and may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation; laparoscopic and robotic repairs use general anesthesia and multiple small incisions.

Mesh placement enhances durability, with recurrence rates dropping below five percent in experienced hands. Recovery from laparoscopic hernia repair typically allows light activity within a week and return to work in two weeks, compared to three to four weeks for open repair. Pain, swelling, and activity restrictions are individualized based on hernia size and repair complexity.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal): Biliary colic (pain from gallstones), acute cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder), and chronic gallbladder disease are indications for cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard: four small incisions, camera guidance, and gallbladder removal through a tiny opening. Most patients go home the same day or next morning.

Typical recovery includes light activity for one week, return to desk work in one to two weeks, and resumption of heavy lifting or strenuous exercise after three to four weeks. Dietary adjustments—gradual reintroduction of fats—minimize postoperative diarrhea. Rare complications include bile duct injury (less than one percent) and wound infection.

Appendectomy: Laparoscopic appendectomy is preferred for uncomplicated appendicitis, offering smaller scars and faster recovery. Open appendectomy is reserved for perforated or gangrenous cases where adhesions complicate laparoscopic dissection. Most patients stay overnight; those with simple appendicitis may be discharged the same day.

Pain control with oral analgesics suffices for most; return to normal activities occurs within one to two weeks. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting for two weeks and watch for signs of infection—fever, increasing abdominal pain, or wound redness—which warrant immediate follow-up.

Colorectal Surgery: Hemorrhoids are treated with rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical hemorrhoidectomy; anal fissures with lateral internal sphincterotomy; and fistulas with fistulotomy or placement of setons. Diverticular disease may require sigmoid colon resection if recurrent or complicated by abscess or perforation.

Laparoscopic colon resections leverage enhanced recovery protocols: multimodal analgesia, early feeding, and mobilization to shorten hospital stays (often three to five days) and reduce ileus. Patients are counseled on bowel function changes and dietary fiber intake to support healing and prevent recurrence.

Thyroidectomy and Parathyroid Surgery: Indications include thyroid cancer, large goiters causing compression, hyperthyroidism refractory to medication, and hyperparathyroidism with elevated calcium and kidney stones. Intraoperative nerve monitoring reduces the risk of vocal cord paralysis by identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Calcium levels are monitored postoperatively; temporary hypocalcemia is common after total thyroidectomy and managed with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Most patients resume normal activities within two weeks, with incision concealed in a natural neck crease to minimize visible scarring.

Soft-Tissue Lesion Excision: Lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and suspicious skin lesions are removed under local anesthesia in an outpatient procedure room. Excised tissue is sent for pathology to confirm benign diagnosis or identify malignancy requiring further treatment. Sutures are typically removed in one to two weeks, with excellent cosmetic outcomes for most lesions.

Anesthesia and Pain Management

Hernia Surgery Anesthesia Options: General anesthesia—where you are fully asleep and a breathing tube (endotracheal or laryngeal mask airway) is placed—is standard for laparoscopic and robotic hernia repairs. It ensures immobility, optimal surgical conditions, and patient comfort. General anesthesia allows controlled ventilation and muscle relaxation, critical when pneumoperitoneum (CO₂ insufflation) is used to create workspace in the abdomen.

Local or regional anesthesia with sedation is an alternative for open inguinal hernia repair in select patients. Local anesthetic is infiltrated around the incision and hernia sac; intravenous sedation keeps you relaxed but responsive. This approach avoids airway instrumentation and may suit patients with significant lung disease or those preferring to avoid general anesthesia. Benefits include faster emergence and lower risk of postoperative nausea, though it requires patient cooperation and is less suitable for large or complex hernias.

Decision Factors and Safety: Your anesthesia plan depends on hernia type and size (laparoscopic vs. open, bilateral vs. unilateral), your overall health (cardiac, pulmonary, renal function), body mass index, prior anesthesia experiences, and personal preference. The anesthesia team reviews your medical history, explains risks—such as sore throat, nausea, or rare allergic reactions—and tailors the safest option.

Post-op pain control combines local anesthetic infiltration during surgery, scheduled non-opioid analgesics (acetaminophen, NSAIDs), and short-acting opioids as needed. Recovery room monitoring tracks vital signs, pain levels, and ability to void before discharge. Most hernia repair patients go home the same day with oral pain medication and activity guidelines.

Preoperative Instructions for General Anesthesia

Fasting (NPO) Guidelines: You must avoid solid food for at least six to eight hours before surgery to reduce aspiration risk—stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia induction. Clear liquids (water, black coffee, clear juice without pulp) may be permitted until two hours before, but follow your specific instructions precisely. Timing matters: even a small snack or milk can delay your procedure or increase anesthesia complications.

Why fasting matters for safety: general anesthesia suppresses airway reflexes, so any food or liquid in the stomach could be regurgitated and aspirated, causing pneumonia or airway obstruction. Anesthesiologists enforce strict NPO rules to protect you during the vulnerable induction and emergence phases.

Medications and Supplements: Blood thinners—aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants—often need to be paused several days before surgery to minimize bleeding risk. Your surgeon and primary care provider will coordinate timing based on your cardiovascular or stroke risk. Diabetes medications, especially long-acting insulin and sulfonylureas, may be adjusted to prevent hypoglycemia while fasting.

Blood pressure agents are usually continued with a small sip of water on surgery morning, but confirm with your anesthesia team. Supplements—fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, St. John’s wort—can affect bleeding or drug metabolism and should be stopped one to two weeks prior. Bring a complete medication list, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal products, to your preoperative visit.

Lifestyle Steps: Smoking cessation for at least four weeks before surgery reduces wound complications, respiratory infections, and anesthesia risks. Alcohol should be limited or stopped in the week before surgery to avoid withdrawal and liver metabolism issues. If you have diabetes, optimize glucose control to promote healing and reduce infection risk.

Light physical activity—walking, stretching—maintains cardiovascular fitness and aids postoperative recovery, but avoid strenuous exercise in the days immediately before surgery. Nutrition matters: a balanced diet with adequate protein supports tissue repair and immune function.

Day-of-Surgery Essentials: Shower the night before or morning of surgery with antibacterial soap, but do not apply lotions, perfumes, or deodorants that can interfere with surgical site prep or electrocautery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing—button-front shirts for upper-body or neck surgery—and leave jewelry, contact lenses, and valuables at home. Remove all piercings, nail polish (interferes with pulse oximetry), and dentures before arrival.

Arrange a responsible adult driver and escort; you will not be permitted to drive yourself home after general anesthesia or sedation. Arrive at the scheduled time with photo ID, insurance cards, medication list, and advance directive or living will if you have one. Report any new symptoms—fever, cough, rash, or infection—by phone before you leave home; surgery may need to be postponed to ensure safety. Preparing for surgery includes fasting and medication guidelines to ensure safety, and following these steps reduces delays and complications.

What to Expect on Surgery Day and Recovery

Day-of-Surgery Flow: Check-in involves registration, consent review, and final health screening. You’ll change into a hospital gown and meet your surgical and anesthesia teams. An IV line is started for fluid and medication delivery. The anesthesia consult confirms your medical history, reviews the anesthesia plan, and answers last questions.

In the operating room, monitors track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO₂. Anesthesia induction puts you to sleep within seconds; you’ll wake in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) once surgery is complete. PACU nurses monitor pain, nausea, vital signs, and surgical site drainage. Discharge criteria include stable vital signs, controlled pain, ability to drink fluids, and ability to void (for hernia and lower abdominal procedures). Most patients go home the same day with written instructions and a follow-up appointment.

Recovery Timelines and Risks: Typical recovery for laparoscopic hernia repair is one to two weeks for return to desk work, three to four weeks for heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy allows similar timelines, with dietary adjustments for fat intolerance. Appendectomy recovery is faster if uncomplicated—seven to ten days for normal activities—but longer if the appendix was perforated.

Learn more about procedures, recovery timelines, and risks by reviewing procedure-specific guides and asking your surgeon about individualized expectations. Common risks include wound infection (one to three percent), bleeding, hernia recurrence (less than five percent with mesh), and rare anesthesia complications. Pain, swelling, and bruising are normal and resolve within one to two weeks with rest, ice, and prescribed analgesics. Warning signs—fever over 101°F, increasing or severe pain, redness spreading from incisions, shortness of breath—require immediate contact with your surgical team.

Our Surgeons, Technology, and Locations

Training and Expertise: General surgery residency spans five years of rigorous training in operative technique, perioperative care, critical care, and research. Board certification by national surgical boards (or equivalent international credentials) confirms competency through written and oral examinations. The competitive field attracts top medical graduates, ensuring a standardized baseline of knowledge and skill.

Safety focus drives every aspect of care at Liv Hospital: preoperative checklists, time-outs in the operating room, multidisciplinary team rounds, and quality improvement audits track outcomes and identify areas for improvement. Case volume—each surgeon performs dozens to hundreds of procedures annually—maintains technical proficiency and allows early recognition of complications.

Technology, Access, and Network: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery capabilities are available across Liv Hospital locations, with high-definition imaging, energy devices for hemostasis, and advanced instrumentation to minimize tissue trauma. Evidence-based care with laparoscopic and robotic options tailored to your needs ensures you benefit from the latest surgical innovations without unnecessary risk.

Board-certified specialists are available across our Liv Hospital locations—İSÜ Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Liv Hospital Ulus, Liv Hospital Ankara, Liv Hospital Gaziantep, Liv Hospital Samsun, İstinye Üniversitesi Liv Hospital Topkapı, and Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü—providing geographic access and scheduling flexibility. Comprehensive services for abdominal, endocrine, and soft-tissue diseases are coordinated with diagnostic imaging, pathology, and postoperative rehabilitation to support seamless care from evaluation through recovery.

FAQs: General Surgery at Liv Hospital

Is minimally invasive or robotic surgery right for me? Candidacy depends on your specific condition, anatomy, and health status. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches offer smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and faster return to activities for many procedures, but are not suitable for all patients—such as those with extensive prior abdominal surgery creating dense adhesions, or emergencies requiring rapid open access. Your surgeon will review imaging, examine you, and discuss the benefits and limitations of each approach to determine the safest, most effective option.

How long is recovery after hernia repair, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or appendectomy? Hernia repair recovery typically spans one to two weeks for light activity, three to four weeks for full activity including lifting over 20 pounds. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy allows return to work in one to two weeks, with dietary adjustments for four to six weeks. Uncomplicated appendectomy permits normal activities in seven to ten days, though perforated cases may require two to three weeks. Your surgeon provides personalized timelines based on procedure complexity, pain tolerance, and occupation (desk work vs. manual labor).

What are the risks of general anesthesia? Common side effects—sore throat from the breathing tube, nausea, drowsiness—resolve within hours to a day. Rare complications include allergic reactions to anesthetic drugs, aspiration pneumonia, cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), and malignant hyperthermia (a genetic reaction causing high fever and muscle rigidity). Your anesthesia team reviews your medical history, allergies, and prior anesthesia experiences to minimize risk and monitor you continuously throughout surgery.

Do I need a referral and how do I schedule? Many insurance plans accept direct scheduling without a referral, but check your policy to avoid surprise costs. Contact Liv Hospital by phone or online form to request an appointment; bring prior imaging, pathology reports, and medication lists to your initial consultation. Second opinions are welcome—our surgeons review outside records and provide independent recommendations. Medical records from previous surgeries or endoscopies help tailor your treatment plan and avoid duplicate testing.

Will I have stitches or scars, and how is pain managed? Laparoscopic incisions are closed with absorbable sutures beneath the skin or surgical glue, leaving scars of three to ten millimeters that fade over months. Open incisions may use dissolvable or removable sutures, with scars ranging from two to six inches depending on the procedure. Scar minimization involves proper wound care—keeping incisions clean and dry, avoiding sun exposure, and applying silicone gel once healed.

Multimodal pain control combines local anesthetic infiltration during surgery, scheduled non-opioid analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and short-acting opioids for breakthrough pain. Most patients manage pain with over-the-counter medications after the first few days. Ice packs, rest, and gradual activity resumption further reduce discomfort.

Questions about anesthesia? Explore our hernia repair options. If you’re uncertain whether general or local anesthesia is better for your hernia surgery, schedule a consultation to discuss your health history, surgical plan, and preferences. Our anesthesia and surgical teams collaborate to design a safe, comfortable experience tailored to your needs, with transparent explanations of risks, benefits, and what to expect on surgery day and during recovery.

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join