The practice of general surgery covers a wide range of diseases and conditions. Some conditions, such as skin lesions or masses under the skin, can be evaluated and treated in the same office visit. Breast evaluations and even some types of breast biopsies also can be performed in the clinic. Surgery of the digestive tract, gall bladder, hernias, and surgical treatment of cancer usually requires a hospital stay ranging from hours to about one week.

Endoscopy, including flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is an integral part of a general surgery practice. This procedure can be used to screen for colon cancer, to evaluate symptoms related to the digestive tract, and even to treat conditions such as polyps.