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The Department of General Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram, assesses and treats conditions that may require an operation, including disorders of the abdomen, digestive tract, abdominal wall, breast, thyroid, skin and soft tissues. Care may range from a planned day-care procedure to urgent treatment for appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, a perforation, a complicated hernia or abdominal injury.
A consultation with a surgeon does not automatically lead to surgery. Some conditions can be managed with observation, medicines, lifestyle changes, wound care or an endoscopic or radiologic procedure. When an operation is recommended, the surgeon explains why it is needed and whether an open, laparoscopic or other minimally invasive approach is appropriate.
General surgical care often involves more than the operating surgeon. Radiologists, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, physicians, intensivists, pathologists, oncologists, dietitians and specialized nurses may contribute to assessment, treatment and recovery.
Our General Surgery Team
General surgical care at Apollo Hospitals, Gurugram, is provided by surgeons whose work may include gastrointestinal surgery, hernia repair, minimally invasive surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, colorectal and anorectal surgery, wound care and emergency surgery. Anesthesia, critical care, stoma care, wound care, nutrition and rehabilitation teams may support patients before and after major operations. Our specialists include:
General Surgery
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterologist
Thoracic Surgery
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterologist
Thoracic Surgery
40+ years ,
MBBS, M.S (General Surgery - AIIMS, Delhi), DNB Surgery (NBE), UICC-ICRETT Fellow (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital); FACS, CICOPS Fellow (Univ of Pavia, Italy), Bariatric fellowship ( Univ of Minnesotta)
General Surgery
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterologist
Thoracic Surgery
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterologist
Thoracic Surgery
13+ years ,
MBBS, M.S. (General Surgery), MCh (Minimal Access Surgery), FAIS, FCLS, FMAS, FACS
- Abdominal Wall and Hernia Conditions
- Gallbladder and Acute Abdominal Conditions
- Anorectal Conditions
- Breast Conditions
- Thyroid and Endocrine Conditions
- Skin, Soft Tissue and Wound Conditions
Abdominal Wall and Hernia Conditions
- Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin when tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall. It may become more noticeable while standing, coughing or lifting. Some minimally symptomatic hernias can be monitored, while painful, enlarging or complicated hernias may need repair.
- Umbilical and epigastric hernias: These hernias cause a swelling at or above the navel. Symptoms, defect size, pregnancy plans, body weight and the risk of trapping bowel are considered when deciding whether repair is needed.
- Incisional hernia: An incisional hernia develops through or near the scar of an earlier abdominal operation. Examination and imaging may be used to define the defect and plan repair, particularly when it is large or has recurred.
- Incarcerated or strangulated hernia: A hernia that becomes suddenly painful, firm or impossible to push back, especially with vomiting or abdominal swelling, needs urgent assessment. Strangulation means that the blood supply to trapped tissue is threatened and emergency surgery may be required.
Gallbladder and Acute Abdominal Conditions
- Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation: Gallstones may cause no symptoms or may lead to pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, inflammation, jaundice or pancreatitis. Gallstones found incidentally often need no treatment, while recurrent symptoms or complications may prompt surgery.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis often causes pain that begins near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen, with reduced appetite, nausea or fever. Symptoms are not always typical. Prompt assessment is important because untreated appendicitis can lead to perforation or an abscess.
- Intestinal obstruction: A blocked bowel can cause cramping pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling and inability to pass stool or gas. Causes include adhesions after previous surgery, hernias, tumors and twisting of the bowel. Treatment may involve fluids and observation, endoscopic treatment or surgery, depending on the cause and severity.
- Gastrointestinal perforation and peritonitis: A hole in the stomach or intestine can allow digestive contents to leak into the abdomen and cause severe infection. Sudden or worsening abdominal pain with marked tenderness, fever or collapse requires emergency care. Treatment may involve antibiotics, drainage or urgent surgery.
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed. Uncomplicated cases may be treated without surgery, while an abscess, perforation, obstruction, fistula or repeated severe episodes may require a procedure or operation.
- Abdominal trauma: Injury to the liver, spleen, bowel or other abdominal structures may follow a road accident, fall or penetrating injury. Treatment is guided by the patient's stability and imaging findings and may involve observation, interventional radiology or surgery.
Anorectal Conditions
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions in or around the anal canal. They may cause bright-red bleeding, itching, discomfort or prolapse. Dietary changes and office-based treatment are effective for many patients, while surgery is reserved for selected cases. Rectal bleeding should be assessed rather than assumed to be caused by hemorrhoids.
- Anal fissure: A fissure is a small tear in the anal lining that commonly causes sharp pain during and after a bowel movement, sometimes with bright-red blood. Treatment usually begins with measures to keep stools soft and relax the anal muscle.
- Anal fistula and perianal abscess: An abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, fever or discharge and often needs drainage. A fistula is an abnormal tract that may remain after an abscess and cause recurrent discharge. Treatment is planned to clear the disease while protecting continence.
- Pilonidal disease: A pit or tract near the top of the buttock cleft can become painful, swollen or infected. Treatment ranges from hair control and local care to drainage or surgery, depending on whether there is an abscess or recurrent disease.
- Rectal prolapse: Part or all of the rectum may protrude through the anus, often during straining. Assessment looks at the extent of the prolapse, bowel function and general health before treatment is planned.
Breast Conditions
- Breast lumps: Many breast lumps are benign, but a new or changing lump should be assessed. Clinical examination is combined with age-appropriate imaging and tissue sampling when indicated so that treatment is based on a confirmed diagnosis.
- Fibroadenomas and breast cysts: Fibroadenomas are solid benign lumps, while cysts are fluid-filled. Many need only monitoring after assessment, although removal or drainage may be considered when a lesion is painful, enlarging or uncertain.
- Breast pain and nipple discharge: Breast pain is common and is often unrelated to cancer. Spontaneous discharge, particularly if it is bloodstained, comes from one duct or is accompanied by a lump, needs evaluation.
- Breast infection and abscess: Mastitis and breast abscesses commonly cause pain, redness, swelling and fever. Treatment may include antibiotics and ultrasound-guided or surgical drainage. Breastfeeding can often continue with appropriate advice.
- Breast cancer: A new hard lump, skin dimpling, nipple retraction, spontaneous bloodstained discharge or an underarm lump needs prompt assessment. Surgery is planned according to imaging, biopsy results, cancer stage, tumor biology and patient preference, usually in coordination with oncology.
- Gynecomastia: Enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men may be related to hormones, medicines, liver or thyroid disease, or may have no clear cause. Assessment is needed before surgery is considered, particularly when the change is one-sided, firm or recent.
Thyroid and Endocrine Conditions
- Goiter and thyroid nodules: Enlargement of the thyroid or a nodule may be found during examination or imaging. Most nodules are benign. Ultrasound, thyroid function tests and fine-needle aspiration when indicated help determine whether monitoring, medicine or surgery is appropriate.
- Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer may present as a thyroid nodule or neck lymph node and may cause no symptoms. Treatment depends on the type and extent of disease and can include surgery, radioactive iodine or active surveillance for selected low-risk cancers.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands can raise the calcium level and contribute to kidney stones, bone loss, abdominal symptoms or fatigue, although some people have no symptoms. Surgery is recommended when clinical criteria are met.
- Adrenal tumors: Adrenal growths are often found incidentally. Hormone tests and dedicated imaging help determine whether a tumor is producing hormones or has features that warrant surgery.
Skin, Soft Tissue and Wound Conditions
- Lipomas and epidermoid cysts: Lipomas are benign fatty lumps. Epidermoid cysts, commonly called sebaceous cysts, form beneath the skin and may become inflamed or infected. Removal may be considered when a lump grows, causes discomfort, becomes infected or needs diagnostic confirmation.
- Abscesses and soft tissue infections: A collection of pus often needs drainage in addition to antibiotics when indicated. Rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, skin discoloration, fever or weakness requires urgent assessment because deeper infection can progress quickly.
- Ingrown toenail: An ingrown nail causes pain, swelling and sometimes infection where the nail edge enters the skin. Persistent or recurrent cases may be treated with a minor procedure under local anesthesia.
- Diabetic foot ulcers and non-healing wounds: Reduced sensation, poor circulation, pressure and infection can prevent a wound from healing. Early multidisciplinary assessment is important because treatment may require pressure relief, infection control, debridement, vascular treatment and glucose management.
- Varicose veins: Enlarged leg veins may cause aching, swelling, itching or skin changes. Duplex ultrasound is used when intervention is being considered.
- Obesity: Metabolic and bariatric surgery may be considered when obesity is affecting health and the person meets recognized clinical criteria. Assessment includes previous treatment, nutrition, psychological readiness, surgical risk and the ability to attend long-term follow-up.
- High-definition Laparoscopy
- Advanced Energy Devices
- Surgical Stapling Systems
- Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
- Intraoperative Pathology
- Hospital-Based Emergency Support
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery
High-definition Laparoscopy
Modern camera systems provide a magnified view during minimally invasive surgery. The benefit of a laparoscopic approach depends on the procedure, disease complexity and the surgeon's training.
Advanced Energy Devices
Energy instruments can seal or divide tissue and help control bleeding during selected operations. Their use depends on the procedure and does not replace careful surgical technique.
Surgical Stapling Systems
Staplers may be used to divide or reconnect bowel and other tissues during open or minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon selects the device and reinforces or tests the join when required.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
A sealed dressing connected to gentle suction may support selected large, complex or contaminated wounds. It is used as part of a wider plan that addresses infection, blood supply, pressure and nutrition.
Intraoperative Pathology
Frozen-section assessment can provide preliminary information during selected cancer or endocrine operations. Final treatment decisions also depend on formal pathology and multidisciplinary review.
Hospital-Based Emergency Support
Access to emergency imaging, operating rooms, anesthesia, blood bank and intensive care can support patients with severe abdominal infection, bleeding, trauma or postoperative complications.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic systems may be used for selected hernia, colorectal or other procedures when the clinical situation and surgeon expertise support this approach. Robotic surgery is one operative option rather than the right approach for every patient.
1
When does abdominal pain need emergency care?
Seek urgent care for severe or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, abdominal swelling with inability to pass stool or gas, pain with fever or fainting, a suddenly painful hernia that cannot be pushed back, vomiting blood, black stools or a rigid and very tender abdomen.
2
Will I definitely need an operation if I see a general surgeon?
No. A surgeon may recommend observation, medicines, lifestyle changes, wound care, endoscopic or radiologic treatment, or surgery. If an operation is advised, the expected benefit, alternatives and risks should be discussed before consent.
3
Is laparoscopic surgery always better than open surgery?
No. Laparoscopic surgery often offers smaller incisions and may allow less pain and quicker recovery, but open surgery may be safer or more effective for severe infection, extensive scar tissue, bleeding, unstable patients or complex disease. Conversion to an open operation can be a planned safety decision.
4
How is pain controlled after surgery?
Pain relief is matched to the operation and the patient's health. It may include oral or intravenous medicines, local anesthetic, nerve blocks or an epidural. Good pain control supports breathing, coughing and early movement, but the plan must also limit side effects such as nausea, drowsiness or breathing difficulty.
5
How long does recovery take after gallbladder surgery?
Recovery varies with the surgical approach, degree of inflammation, other health conditions and any complications. Many patients recover more quickly after an uncomplicated laparoscopic procedure than after open surgery, but the treating surgeon should provide an individualized timeline for work, driving, exercise and lifting.
6
When can I return to work after hernia repair?
Return to work depends on the repair, pain control and whether the job involves lifting. People with desk-based work may return sooner than those doing manual work. Gradual activity is usually encouraged, while heavy lifting should follow the surgeon's advice.
7
Can a hernia be managed without surgery?
Some small or minimally symptomatic hernias can be monitored after assessment. A hernia does not heal by itself, and a belt does not repair the defect. Increasing pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling or a hernia that becomes firm and cannot be pushed back requires urgent review.
8
Do all breast lumps mean cancer?
No. Many breast lumps are benign, but examination alone cannot reliably identify every cause. A new lump should be assessed with appropriate imaging and biopsy when indicated rather than watched without evaluation.
9
Will thyroid surgery affect my voice?
Temporary voice change or fatigue can occur, and permanent nerve injury is uncommon but possible. Bleeding and changes in calcium levels are other important risks. The surgeon should explain the risk for the planned operation and how the voice nerves and calcium are monitored afterward.
10
Do hemorrhoids always need surgery?
No. Many improve with fiber, fluids, treatment of constipation and office-based procedures. Surgery is considered for selected persistent, prolapsing or complicated hemorrhoids. Rectal bleeding should still be evaluated because hemorrhoids are not the only possible cause.
11
How should I prepare for planned surgery?
Follow the hospital's instructions about fasting, medicines, bathing and arrival time. Tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes medicines, supplements, allergies, pregnancy and previous anesthesia problems. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless the treating team advises you to do so.
12
Can I have surgery if I have diabetes or heart disease?
Often yes, but the risks and preparation differ between patients. Blood sugar, blood pressure, heart or lung symptoms, kidney function and medicines may need review before surgery. Urgent surgery may proceed while these issues are managed at the same time.
13
When can I shower and when are stitches removed?
Instructions depend on the wound closure and dressing. Some sutures dissolve and do not need removal, while clips or non-absorbable sutures are removed at a time chosen for the operation and wound. Follow the discharge instructions rather than a general timetable.
14
What warning signs after surgery need urgent attention?
Contact the treating team or seek urgent care for increasing pain, fever, spreading redness, pus or persistent bleeding from the wound, repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling, inability to pass stool or gas, chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or new swelling and pain in one leg.
15
Will I need a stoma after bowel surgery?
Many bowel operations do not require a stoma. When one is needed, it may be temporary or permanent depending on the disease, operation, blood supply, infection and healing risk. The surgeon and stoma nurse should discuss the possibility before planned surgery whenever possible.
16
How long does a surgical wound take to heal?
Surface healing and deeper tissue recovery occur at different rates. Healing is influenced by the operation, infection, circulation, nutrition, diabetes, smoking and medicines. Ask the surgical team when it is safe to bathe, drive, exercise, lift and return to work.
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