What is general surgery?
General surgery deals with common surface and abdominal conditions — any lump or swelling in the body such as a lipoma, sebaceous cyst or dermoid cyst, as well as breast lumps and diabetic foot problems. Many of these are simple to remove and are done as day-care surgery, often under local anaesthesia.
It also includes the emergency operations that cannot wait — appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, a perforation in the bowel, and abdominal trauma. These are treated urgently, using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery wherever it is safe, to speed recovery and reduce complications.
Symptoms & when surgery is needed
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination of the lump, swelling or abdomen
- Ultrasound or FNAC/biopsy for breast lumps and uncertain swellings
- Blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound or CT for suspected abdominal emergencies
- Assessment of blood supply, infection and sugar control for the diabetic foot
Treatment options
Lump / swelling excision
Lipoma, sebaceous cyst or dermoid cyst removed as a short day-care procedure — most under local anaesthesia with minimal downtime.
Breast lump surgery
Evaluation and excision of breast lumps, with biopsy where needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Diabetic foot care
Wound debridement, infection control and coordinated care to save the foot and help ulcers heal.
Emergency abdominal surgery
Prompt treatment of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, perforation and abdominal trauma — laparoscopic wherever safe.
The procedure, step by step
- 1
Assessment
The lump or the abdominal problem is examined and any needed scan or biopsy is arranged.
- 2
Anaesthesia
Minor lumps are removed under local anaesthesia; larger or emergency procedures use general or spinal anaesthesia.
- 3
Procedure
The lump is excised completely, or the emergency is dealt with — for example removing the appendix or repairing a perforation.
- 4
Tissue check
Removed tissue is sent for histopathology when appropriate to confirm it is not sinister.
- 5
Recovery
Minor excisions go home the same hour; emergency cases are monitored and discharged when stable.
Recovery timeline
Same day
Most lump and cyst excisions are walk-in, walk-out procedures under local anaesthesia.
2–3 days
Return to desk work after minor excisions; keep the wound clean and dry.
1 week
Stitches removed if used; recovery after laparoscopic appendix surgery for most people.
2–6 weeks
Fuller recovery after major emergency abdominal surgery, individualised to the case.
Risks & considerations
- Minor wound infection, bruising or a small scar
- Recurrence of a cyst if a small part of its wall remains
- General risks of anaesthesia and surgery for larger procedures
- Emergency operations carry higher risk depending on how advanced the problem is
Cost in Hyderabad
| Procedure | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Lipoma / sebaceous cyst excision (local anaesthesia)Depends on size, site & number | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Dermoid cyst excision | ₹15,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Breast lump excisionVaries with size & need for biopsy | ₹35,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Diabetic foot care / debridementDepends on infection & tissue involved | ₹15,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Laparoscopic appendicectomy | ₹55,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Emergency abdominal surgery (obstruction / perforation / trauma)Depends on the condition & its severity | On assessment |
These are indicative ranges for Hyderabad and vary with the grade or complexity of the condition, the technique chosen, implants used, room category and insurance. They are not a quotation. Please contact the clinic for a personalised estimate after consultation.
Why choose Dr. Satish Reddy
Frequently asked questions
Not always. Many lipomas and small cysts are harmless and can simply be watched. Removal is advised when a lump is growing, painful, repeatedly getting infected, cosmetically bothersome, or when the diagnosis is uncertain and needs to be confirmed.
Yes. Most lipomas, sebaceous cysts and small swellings are removed as a short day-care procedure under local anaesthesia — you are awake, feel no pain, and can usually go home within the hour.
Any new breast lump should be examined without delay. Most turn out to be benign, but evaluation — often with an ultrasound and, if needed, a biopsy — is important to be sure. Dr. Reddy will guide the right steps for your case.
Sudden severe abdominal pain with vomiting, a hard or distended abdomen, fever, or inability to pass stools or gas can signal appendicitis, obstruction or perforation. These need urgent assessment — please seek care immediately rather than waiting.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Y. Satish Reddy
MS, PDF (Surgical Gastroenterology) · Updated 1 September 2026