A doctor talking to a patient in a hospital room

General Surgery

When that pain in your right side turns out to be appendicitis, you might find yourself in the emergency room. And being wheeled into surgery. Stat!

ER visits are just one way to find yourself meeting up with our general surgery team. These experts specialize in doing surgery on many parts of your body. Emergency (acute) procedures are often part of their work. But there are many other reasons you may see this team. Your primary care provider (PCP) may also refer you to a general surgeon to schedule elective surgeries.

Whether you’re having scheduled surgery or need emergency care, our general surgery team is here for you. From minimally invasive surgeries to very complex procedures, we have you covered from head to toe. Whether you’re planning on it — or not.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for General Surgery Care?

Trusted experts:

Cleveland Clinic’s general surgery providers specialize in all kinds of surgeries. Gallbladder disease, breast cancer, appendicitis, infections, cysts and hernias are just a few of the things we treat. Our board-certified surgeons work closely with other providers to make sure you get the best care for your unique needs, even in emergencies. Meet our team.

Caring approach:

Preparing for and having surgery can be a lot to take in. Our providers’ expertise comes with a compassionate spirit. They do their best to put you at ease and make you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment.

Minimally invasive options:

Most surgeries don’t require large incisions (cuts) or many weeks to recover. Our general surgery providers are skilled in endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery for many different conditions. These treatments often mean shorter recovery with less pain. And many times, you’ll go home the same day.

Patient-centered care:

It can be stressful when you learn you need to have surgery. But our general surgery providers walk you through every step of treatment. We help you understand the risks and benefits — and what to expect during recovery. And if you have concerns and questions, we’re here to listen, answer and ease your mind.

Virtual visits:

Sometimes, getting to your healthcare provider’s office for an appointment can feel like a lot. Virtual visits help you get the same great care but from the convenience and comfort of your own home. All you need is an internet connection, and you can connect with your smartphone, computer or tablet.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Conditions We Treat With General Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

While some surgeons specialize only in a particular part of the body or kind of surgery, our general surgeons have a wider range of experience. They can treat many different parts of your body with different types of surgeries, like:

Appendectomies.
Gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy).
Hernia repair.
Weight-loss (bariatric) surgeries.
Biopsies.
Antireflux surgery.
Liver surgery.
Spleen removal (splenectomy).
Adrenal glands removal (adrenalectomy).
Surgery for bowel obstructions.
Small bowel resection.
Surgery for achalasia (Heller myotomy).
Lumps and bumps removal.
Gastrectomies for cancer or other benign (noncancerous) conditions.
Feeding tubes placement (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy).
Esophageal surgery (esophagectomies).
Surgery for gastroparesis.

This is only a small sample of what our general surgery team can do. And they may partner with healthcare providers from different specialties to make sure you get the most personalized care — no matter how complex your diagnosis.

Meet Our General Surgery Team

We believe in teamwork. So, when you come to Cleveland Clinic for general surgery, you’ll have a team of surgeons and other providers caring for you, like:

Providers Who Perform General Surgery

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.

Having General Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

You could find yourself in a Cleveland Clinic OR (operating room) in one of two ways — scheduled or emergency.

Scheduled surgery

Scheduled surgery is planned with our team. But before you ever enter an operating room, you’ll have an appointment called a consultation. This gives us a chance to talk about your diagnosis and for us to explain what to expect from surgery, recovery and follow-up care.

We listen to any concerns you have and answer your questions. Before you leave, you’ll know how to prepare for surgery (and have take-home instructions to remind you). We’re here to help you feel ready for your surgery day.

Emergency surgery

But sometimes, your body has other ideas. You may need emergency surgery. And that’s something you didn’t count on. Our skilled team does emergency surgery and critical care if you come through our ER after an accident, injury or sudden illness. We’re ready to treat any condition.

Surgery techniques

No matter how you meet our general surgery team, you can be confident that you’ll get the best possible care — and results. Whenever we can, we use minimally invasive methods like laparoscopic, robotic or single-port surgery. All use smaller incisions (cuts) than traditional (open) surgery. And they usually have less pain and shorter recovery times.

Some kinds of treatments require open surgery. But others work well with less invasive options. Having a minimally invasive procedure depends on why you need surgery, your overall health and other factors. You may be able to go home the same day after some procedures. Others might require a hospital stay. Your care team will go over all of this to help you better understand what to expect.

After you have surgery

No two surgeries are alike. Neither are any two recovery periods. But everyone needs to take it easy and follow all instructions from your providers. You’ll also have follow-up appointments with our team. We want to make sure everything is healing as it should. And that you’re feeling more and more like your regular self.

Taking the Next Step

Knowing you need surgery can be stressful. You may find yourself worrying about that appointment on the calendar. And needing emergency surgery can be even more unnerving. No matter what, our general surgery team is here with the expert care and support you need. We’re by your side before you go into the operating room. And we’re there as you recover and get back to living your everyday life.