General surgery is a surgical specialty. General surgeons perform surgeries for a wide range of common conditions, such as those of the digestive tract and abdomen. They are trained to manage emergencies and are responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgery.

All surgeons must start their training in general surgery, but many then go on to focus on another specialty.

This article explains what general surgeons do, the training and education they receive, and common surgeries performed by general surgeons.