The 7 Signs You Need a General Surgery Consultation

1. Persistent Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people visit general surgeons. But not all belly pain is the same. If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter medication, or lifestyle changes, especially if it lasts more than a few days, it’s time to book a consultation.​

Persistent pain can indicate several surgical conditions: gallstones causing inflammation, hernias creating pressure, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis. The location of the pain matters too. Pain that starts around your navel and moves to the lower right, or pain concentrated in the upper right abdomen, often signals conditions that need surgical attention. Your surgeon will help identify the underlying cause and determine whether surgery is needed.

2. Lumps or Bumps That Don’t Go Away

Any unexplained lump, bulge, or growth, whether it’s near your abdomen, groin, or elsewhere. It deserves professional evaluation. These could be benign cysts, fatty tumors, or something more serious. The concern isn’t just what the lump is, but whether it’s growing or changing over time.​

Hernias are particularly common lumps that people notice. A hernia occurs when internal tissue pushes through weak areas in your muscle wall, creating a visible bulge, particularly when you’re standing, lifting, or coughing. While hernias won’t heal on their own, and most aren’t dangerous by themselves, they can become uncomfortable or develop complications. Your surgeon can assess whether the lump requires surgical repair or if conservative management is appropriate.

3. Gallbladder Issues (Gallstones or Inflammation)

Gallbladder problems are extremely common and often treatable surgically. Classic signs include sudden pain in your upper right abdomen, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or pain between your shoulder blades or in your right shoulder. These symptoms frequently worsen after eating fatty foods.​

What makes gallbladder conditions important to address is their potential for complications. Untreated gallstones can block bile ducts, leading to jaundice, dangerous infections, or acute pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gallbladder removal through small incisions, is one of the most commonly performed surgeries and offers excellent outcomes when done before complications develop.​

4. Chronic Heartburn or Difficulty Swallowing

Severe, persistent acid reflux that doesn’t respond to medication deserves surgical evaluation. When you experience chronic difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, unexplained weight loss, or pain while swallowing, these could signal underlying structural problems in your esophagus or stomach that require surgical intervention.​

While medication helps many people, some find that surgery, like a fundoplication procedure, provides lasting relief that medications alone cannot achieve. An early consultation helps determine whether you’re a candidate for surgical solutions.

5. Suspected or Confirmed Hernia

Hernias are among the most common conditions treated by general surgeons. You might notice a bulge, especially when you lift something heavy, bend over, or cough. Some people experience discomfort or pain at the site; others feel pressure or a sensation of weight.​

Here’s the reality: hernias don’t go away on their own, and they can enlarge over time. While not every hernia requires immediate surgery, a consultation helps determine your risk. If your hernia is growing, causing pain, or interfering with daily activities, surgical repair prevents potential strangulation, a serious complication where tissue gets trapped and loses blood supply.

6. Significant Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing more than five percent of your body weight unintentionally over six to twelve months warrants investigation. Unexplained weight loss can indicate serious surgical conditions like cancer, bowel obstruction, or gastrointestinal diseases. When combined with other symptoms like persistent pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, this becomes even more concerning.​

Your surgeon may recommend diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy or gastroscopy to visualize your digestive tract and identify the cause. Early diagnosis of malignancies significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

7. Blood in Stool or Urine

Visible blood in your stool or urine is never something to dismiss. This could indicate kidney stones, ulcers, polyps, hemorrhoids, or cancer. While some causes are minor and easily treated, others require prompt surgical or medical attention.​

Your surgeon will perform appropriate diagnostic procedures to identify the source and recommend treatment. Timely evaluation prevents complications and often leads to less invasive treatment options.