Was the doctor qualified to do my surgery? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

beangirl · 07-29-2003, 03:52 PM

I had the hemmorhoid surgery 4 months ago. What qualifications does a doctor have to have to do this kind of surgery? Can a general surgeon preform it? What if he didn't know what he was doing, but did the surgery anyway? I have major problems since! Proctologist says more surgery to fix botched hemmoridectomy. Help!

projapoti · 07-30-2003, 06:23 AM

Yes...a general surgeon is the one who does a hemorrhoidectomy. General surgeons do most of the gastrointestinal stuff.

I'm sorry that you've been having trouble since the operation; however, you must realize that operations like these always have complications (every person is different), but the person who was doing the surgery was qualified--I promise. However, if they made a mistake, they should take every step possible to correct it. I hope you are out of your pain soon.

christine777 · 07-30-2003, 12:01 PM

Sorry you have to go through so much stuff now. At least, now you are with a specialist. I dont know if a general surgeon would be qualified. I imagine they have general training..and do a host of things. I think it best to go to a specialist because they have that specialized training and perform their chosen field specialty on a routine basis.
I went to a colorectal surgeon for my surgery. I was referred by a gastro doctor/surgeon who told me and i quote "that is not my area of expertise".
Hang in there! Comfort yourself with the knowledge that now your doctor/surgeon is an expert in this field. He will make sure you come through this A OK and better than new.
I went through alot too. I know the pain you are going through. In the end, it is worth it.
You are in my prayers.

projapoti · 07-30-2003, 01:06 PM

Um....a colorectal surgeon IS a general surgeon with an extra year of training. Like I said before, general surgeons are the ones who deal with gastrointestinal surgeries. It's only in a tertiary care center in a large, university city where you have a general surgeon trained in "colorectal surgery".....everywhere else, the general surgeon takes care of the myriad of gastrointestinal problems:

hemorrhoidectomies
colectomies
cholecystectomies
laparotomies
liver surgery
intestinal surgeries
stomach surgeries
pancreatic surgeries
gastrointestinal cancer surgeries

Gen surgeons also do breast surgeries (i.e. breast removals)