The most common gallbladder problem is gallstones. These are formed if the gallbladder is not working properly, and the standard treatment is to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This procedure is usually performed using a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.

A hernia exists where part of the abdominal wall is weakened, and the contents of the abdomen push through to the outside. This is most commonly seen in the groin area but can occur in other places. Surgical treatment is usually quite straightforward and involves returning the abdominal contents to the inside and then reinforcing the abdominal wall in some way. Laparoscopic repair of hernias, particularly groin hernias, offers the best chance of quick recovery and most groin hernias are suitable for repair using this technique.

Abnormalities of the endocrine system treated by general surgery include disorders of the pancreas and adrenal glands in the abdomen and the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck. These are often very complex conditions requiring extensive investigations. If surgery is required it is often quite complicated and will usually mean a stay in hospital for several days or even longer.

An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and one or more of the parathyroid glands are removed.

An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed.