General surgery
Specialist evaluation, outpatient treatment and surgical care for skin and soft tissue lesions, hernias, ingrown toenails, abscesses and other surgical problems.
From surgical evaluation to minor procedures and full surgical care
You don't need to wait until you are sure you need an operation to see a surgeon. If you have a newly developed lump, a suspected hernia, a painful ingrown toenail, an inflamed skin lesion or an abscess, the first step is to determine what is causing your symptoms and whether surgical treatment is truly needed.
The Swiss Clinic general surgery specialty clinic offers initial and follow-up consultations, pre-surgical consultations and a range of minor outpatient procedures. For conditions that require a larger procedure, day surgery is also available, always preceded by a specialist assessment and the necessary pre-operative workup.
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What to know before your visit
How you prepare for your surgical visit depends on whether you are coming for an initial assessment, a follow-up or a procedure that has already been scheduled.
What should you keep in mind before you arrive?
- Previous tests: For a hernia, a soft tissue lump or another surgical problem, earlier ultrasound, CT, MRI, pathology or specialist reports can be especially helpful.
- Records of previous surgeries: If you have already had surgery in the same area, the operative report, discharge summary and any earlier pathology results can be important.
- Tell us if you take blood thinners: This is especially important if an excision, abscess drainage, nail procedure or other minor surgery may be needed. Do not stop taking your medication on your own.
- Follow your pre-operative instructions: A simple surgical consultation does not require fasting. However, before surgery under general anesthesia or another type of anesthesia, you may receive separate instructions about eating, drinking and taking your medications.
When should you see a surgeon?
A surgical evaluation may be especially appropriate if you notice a change that is growing, causing pain, becoming inflamed or draining, or that may call for a surgical solution:
- Skin and subcutaneous lesions: For a growing or bothersome skin lesion, a lipoma or another palpable soft tissue lump that has been recommended for removal, a surgical evaluation can help decide whether excision and pathology testing are needed.
- Suspected hernia: If you have a bulge in the groin, around the navel or elsewhere in the abdominal wall, a pulling sensation or discomfort that gets worse with exertion, the surgeon will examine you for a hernia and, if needed, discuss surgical treatment.
- Ingrown or inflamed toenail: If you have recurring pain, swelling, inflammation or drainage, surgical nail treatment, partial nail removal or another procedure may be needed.
- Abscess and pus-forming infection: A painful, swollen, warm skin or soft tissue lesion, possibly with drainage, may indicate an abscess, which in some cases requires surgical incision and drainage.
- Surgical assessment or evaluation: If you have a known surgical condition, earlier test results, or surgical treatment has been suggested by another specialist, a surgical consultation is needed to determine whether the procedure is justified and how it should be done.
Available examinations and surgical procedures
Swiss Clinic's surgical care ranges from specialist assessment to minor outpatient procedures and a variety of day surgery operations:
Initial and follow-up surgical consultation
At the first visit, the surgeon carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history, then examines the affected area.