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Some different types of specialist surgeon
Summaries of different types of specialist surgeon. Their roles, and the sort of operations they carry out.
Cardiothoracic surgeon
Cardiothoracic surgeons treat diseases of the chest wall, gullet, lungs, pleura and heart. Cardiac surgeons limit their practice to the heart and its major blood vessels. Thoracic surgeons specialise in chest surgery but do not perform heart surgery.
Colorectal surgeon
Colorectal surgeons specialise in the surgical treatment of disorders of the lower intestine (the colon, anus and rectum). Examples include treatment for cancer, ulcerative colitis, twists of the colon causing obstruction, or investigate bleeding or other symptoms. Colorectal surgeons also treat hernias, piles, fissures and fistulas and rectal prolapse.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon
(also known as an otorhinolaryngologist from the Greek words for ear, nose and larynx)
ENT surgeons operate on disease of this part of the body (eg the tonsils and adenoids, the nose and nasal sinuses, tumours of the throat, and sometimes the salivary glands and the thyroid gland).
Endocrine surgeon
Endocrine surgeons specialise in the surgery of diseases of the hormone-producing glands (eg the thyroid, and the adrenal glands or the pancreas).
Neonatal surgeon
More specialised than paediatric surgeons, neonatal surgeons operate on very young babies up to the age of one or two months old, including premature babies. They treat conditions such as congenital obstructions of the gullet, bowel or anus, urinary obstruction or reflux, or abnormalities of the spinal cord such as spina bifida.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons operation on the skull, brain and spinal cord (including operations for "slipped disc"). Neurosurgeons also undertake operations for bleeding inside the skull caused by conditions such as head injuries, aneurysms, brain abscesses, tumours and swellings of the pituitary gland.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist
A surgeon who specialises in the care of the pregnant woman and her foetus (obstetrics) and womens conditions, especially those affecting the reproductive organs (gynaecology). Obstetric surgeons' work includes normal and abnormal childbirth, Caesarean sections and termination of pregnancy. Gynaecological surgeons operate on the uterus, cervix, ovaries and associated organs and structures, and are involved in the treatment of fertility.
Ophthalmologist
Opthalmologists undertake surgery of the eyes, eyelids and bony surrounds of the eye (the orbits). Examples of an ophthalmologists work include cataract operations, lens implants, corneal grafts, treating ocular injuries, squints, diabetic retinopathy and rodent (malignant) ulcers near the eyelids.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon
Sometimes called a faciomaxillary or an oromaxillofacial surgeon. This specialist holds qualifications in surgery as well as in dentistry. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons perform operations on the head and neck not included in ENT, ophthalmology or neurosurgery (there may be some overlap). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on tumours and cysts of the face, jaw, tongue and salivary glands, or after accidents or sports injuries to this part of the body. They also treat congenital or developmental disorders of the skull, facial bones and jaws, including cleft palate.
Orthopaedic surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeons specialise in bone and major joint disease. Their work includes treating fractures, performing hip and knee replacements, examining the inside of the joints (arthroscopy), operations for back problems and correcting abnormal foot or leg development in children (e.g. club foot). Some orthopaedic surgeons specialise further to become experts in hand, knee, shoulder or spinal operations.
Paediatric surgeon
Paediatric surgeons treat surgical conditions in children up to the age of 14-16 years, such as hernias, undescended testes, congenital abnormalities of the gut, kidney or urinary system, and childhood tumours.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon
These surgeons deal with surgery of the skin and soft tissues all over the body. The skills of plastic and reconstructive surgeons are required for serious burns and skin grafting; reconstruction after accidents or cancer; removal of warts, moles or tattoos; removal of excess fat from the very overweight (including liposuction); cosmetic surgery of the nose, eyelids, face, lips, ears, breasts; repair of tendons and damaged joints in the hands; and skin and soft tissue repairs in large wounds. Surgery carried out simply to improve appearance is called cosmetic surgery.
Upper gastro-intestinal surgeon
Upper gastro-intestinal surgeons specialise in operations on the stomach (and sometimes the gullet), hiatus hernia, biliary system, pancreas, upper intestines, and the appendix.
Urological surgeons
Urological surgeons treat problems in the urinary system (eg kidney and bladder stones and tumours, enlargement of the prostate, disorders of the penis, testis or scrotum).
Vascular surgeon
Vascular surgeons operate on the blood vessels (ie arteries and veins) for conditions such as blockages or dilations (aneurysms) in the major arteries in the abdomen or legs. They also operate for conditions such as varicose veins or complications of venous thrombosis, and carry out bypass grafts in the abdomen or lower limb. Vascular surgeons may also undertake major and minor amputations of the lower limbs, and microsurgery on small blood vessels (eg in reconnecting a severed finger).
