What are the different types of surgeons and what do they do?
There are many specialists in the field of medicine. How does one choose the correct specialist for an upcoming surgery? Whether you are suffering from a pain in your head or the bottom of your foot, there are specialists for each part of our body. Hopefully, this list will point you in the right direction.
Cardiothoracic Surgeons treat diseases found in the chest organs; such as heart disease and lung disease.
Cardiac Surgeons specialize in the treatment of the heart and surrounding large vessels. These specialists are called when a person has chest pains, or suffer from a heart attack, performing such surgeries as bypasses or transplants. These surgeons are sometimes grouped with the Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
Thoracic Surgeons specialize in the area of the chest such as the lungs, diaphragm, and chest wall. Sometimes these surgeons are grouped with the cardio surgeons and are given the title of cardiothoracic surgeons.
Colorectal Surgeons or Proctologists are specialists in diseases of the rectum, colon and anus.
ENT Surgeons specialize in the treatment of diseases, injuries, etc. of the ear, nose, and throat.
Neuro Surgeons are sometimes referred to as the "brain specialists" . Their expertise is the skull, brain and spinal cord.
Ophthalmologists – such a large name for such a small part of the body. Their expertise is the eye and surrounding tissues.
Plastic Surgeons are a "girl’s best friend". As most people are familiar, these surgeons specialize in soft tissues and skin. A good plastic surgeon can work miracles if a person has been disfigured in an accident, etc.
General Surgeons specialize in diseases of other parts of the body such as the stomach, gall bladder, liver, hernias, etc
Orthopedic Surgeons are called in when bones are involved. These specialists are extremely important when sports injuries occur because they are most familiar with the muscles and the skeletal system.
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 surge
