• Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD)
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Intragastric balloon placement
• Endoscopic stenting

Advance endoscopy services

• Hernia repair
• Cholecystectomy
• Crohn’s disease
• Surgery for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis
• Breast surgery
• Thyroid
• Salivary gland procedures
• Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery
• Colorectal
• Haemorrhoidal treatments include Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal arterial ligation
• Fissure-in-ano management with Botox or surgery
• Surgical treatment of simple and complex fistula-in-ano

• Laparoscopic oesophagectomy
• Anti-reflux surgery
• Gastrectomy
• Colectomy

• Gastric sleeve
• Gastric bypass
• Supported by nutritional
• Psychological care for long-term success
  
  

What is a "surgical specialist"?

• Preoperative: patient history taking, physical examination, risk assessment, scheduling of examinations (blood tests/imaging/endoscopy), explanation of treatment options and alternatives.
• Intraoperative: open/minimally invasive/endoscopic or other interventional procedures.
• Post-operative care includes pain management, wound care, dietary and activity guidance, follow-up visits, and complication monitoring. General surgery is one of the most common and broadest specialties in surgery, and commonly deals with: the digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract, colorectal, anus), gallbladder and pancreas, hernias, breast, thyroid, skin lumps, and some vascular problems—which are also the most common reasons for seeking treatment at general surgery centers/surgical clinics.
  
  

General Surgery Outpatient Clinic: What's typically done on the first visit?

1. Initial Assessment: Understanding symptoms (location and timing of pain, presence of fever/vomiting/bleeding), past medical history, medications and allergies, previous surgeries, and test results.
2. Physical Examination: Such as abdominal palpation, rectal/anal assessment (depending on the situation), checking the location and size of any masses.
3. Scheduling Examinations: Commonly includes ultrasound, CT/MRI (if needed), and endoscopy (gastroscopy/colonoscopy) or biopsy. Many surgical services also emphasize the availability of endoscopy centers or collaboration with operating rooms.
4. Developing a Treatment Plan: This may involve medication/observation/minor outpatient surgery/scheduling for formal surgery/referral to other specialists (e.g., oncology, gastroenterology, hepatology, etc.).
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What do surgeons do? Is surgery always necessary?

Surgeons assess, diagnose, and treat conditions that may require surgery or procedures. Outpatient procedures don't always involve immediate surgery; in many cases, examinations are conducted first to determine the treatment plan.

What's the difference between a general surgeon and a surgical specialist?

"Surgical specialist" is a general term (which can include different subspecialties such as colorectal, breast, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic surgery); "general surgery" usually refers to a broader range of surgical services.

What examinations are performed in a general surgery outpatient clinic?

Depending on the symptoms, ultrasound, CT/MRI, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy, etc., may be arranged. Many surgical centers also work closely with endoscopy centers and operating rooms to provide one-stop examination and treatment.

How can I verify if a doctor in Hong Kong is registered or qualified as a specialist?

In Hong Kong, anyone wishing to practice medicine, surgery, or midwifery must apply for registration with the Hong Kong Medical Council under the Medical Registration Ordinance. The public can also check general and specialist registration information through the Hong Kong Medical Council's list of registered doctors.

Is surgery always necessary at a general surgery outpatient clinic?

Not necessarily. The purpose of a general surgery outpatient visit is to assess the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment. Some cases can be managed with medication, lifestyle adjustments, regular observation, or small outpatient procedures. Surgery will only be recommended if the condition requires it, the risks are appropriate, and the patient understands the treatment options.

What should I prepare before a general surgery appointment?

It is recommended to bring identification documents, past medical records, referral letters, lab reports, imaging reports, a list of medications currently being taken, and allergy records. For issues such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, breast lumps, or skin lumps, record the onset time, changes in symptoms, pain intensity, whether there is fever, and whether there is bleeding or discharge to help the doctor make a diagnosis.

How to choose a general surgeon or surgical clinic?

When choosing a general surgeon, pay attention to whether the doctor has the relevant specialist qualifications, clinical experience, clinic location, whether they provide appropriate examinations or surgical arrangements, whether postoperative follow-up is clear, and whether the fees are transparent. If surgery is involved, you should also ask the doctor about the reason for the surgery, alternative options, anesthesia methods, risks, recovery time, and postoperative care arrangements.