General and Visceral Surgery

UNDERSTANDING

A field of surgery covering several organs and systems

General and visceral surgery encompasses a range of procedures affecting notably the digestive system, the biliary tract and the abdominal wall. Depending on the condition, care may concern the oesophagus, the stomach, the gallbladder, the small intestine, the colon, the rectum or the abdominal wall. Each situation requires a specific assessment. The choice of a surgical treatment depends notably on the diagnosis, symptoms, tests performed, the patient’s general condition and the available therapeutic alternatives. For more information, the visceral surgery department of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) also provides useful resources.

Colorectal Surgery

Surgical management of benign or malignant conditions of the colon and rectum, when the medical situation warrants it.

Proctology

Assessment and treatment of the main proctological conditions, notably haemorrhoids, anal fissures and certain pilonidal conditions.

Hepatobiliary Surgery

Management notably of gallbladder conditions and certain biliary tract disorders requiring surgical treatment.

Abdominal Wall Surgery

Assessment and treatment of hernias and incisional hernias of the abdominal wall according to their characteristics and the patient’s situation.

Esophagogastric Surgery

Management of certain conditions of the oesophagus and stomach that may require surgical treatment.

Endocrine Surgery

Surgical management of certain conditions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

EVALUATION

A surgical indication that is always individualized

A surgical consultation does not automatically lead to an operation. It allows the clinical situation, symptoms, tests already performed and the various therapeutic options to be analysed. Depending on the condition and context, further tests may be necessary to clarify the diagnosis or the anatomy concerned. The decision to operate is therefore based on an individualized assessment of the situation and a discussion with the patient about the expected benefits, alternatives and risks of the planned procedure.

Open surgery

Some procedures are performed via an open approach, depending on the condition and the patient’s situation.

Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy)

Other procedures may be performed by laparoscopy, when this approach is suited to the situation.

Robot-assisted surgery

In certain selected indications, a robot-assisted approach may also be considered.

01

Consultation

Review of the clinical situation and any tests already performed, and discussion of the available options.

02

Preparation

Organisation of any further tests and steps required before the procedure.

03

Procedure

The procedure is carried out using the technique selected for the patient’s situation.

04

Follow-up

Postoperative follow-up tailored to the procedure performed and the patient’s progress.

CARE

Expertise in general and visceral surgery

Dr Pierre Fournier practises general and visceral surgery in Nyon and manages various digestive, biliary and abdominal wall conditions. His practice combines surgical assessment, the individualized choice of operative technique and patient follow-up before and after the procedure. When multidisciplinary care is required, the therapeutic decision is made in collaboration with the other specialists involved.