This may be: Partial mastectomy ("lumpectomy" or "wide local excision"): This is the most common approach for most tumours. The breast lump and a portion of other breast tissue (as well as some lymph tissue) are surgically removed. In some cases partial breast reconstruction or breast reduction surgery are also performed to help maintain an aesthetic breast shape, as part of treatment. When combined with radiation treatment, this "partial mastectomy" approach is known as breast-conserving surgery. Total mastectomy: almost all breast tissue is surgically removed (with some lymph tissue) but some of the skin and - in some situations - sometimes the nipple can be preserved if the patient wishes to undergo complete breast reconstruction.

When a breast has been removed (total mastectomy) because of cancer or other disease, it is possible in most cases to reconstruct a breast shape. A breast reconstruction can be performed - usually with the help of a plastic surgeon - as part of the breast removal operation; Or can be performed months or years later. There are two methods of breast reconstruction: one involves using an implant; the other uses tissue taken from another part of your body. There may be medical reasons why one of these methods is more suitable for you or, in other cases, you may be given a choice. Implants A silicone sack filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water) is inserted underneath the skin. In some cases a temporary implant or "expander" (an inflatable implant "bag" which can be inflated over weeks/months) will be required before a final implant / reconstruction can be carried out at a second operation. Surgery is usually 2-4 hours and hospital stay 1-2 nights. Flap Reconstruction A skin flap taken from another part of the body such as your abdominal (lower "stomach" ) region, is used to reconstruct the breast. This is a more complicated operation than having an implant and may last 6-8 hours and require a 5- to 7-day stay in hospital. Recovery time is at least 6 weeks.

General surgery covers some disorders of the liver and biliary system. The most common of these is pain caused by gallstones. These are formed if the gallbladder is not working properly, and the standard treatment is to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This procedure is usually performed using a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.

A hernia exists where part of the abdominal wall is weakened, and the contents of the abdomen push through to the outside. This is most commonly seen in the groin area but can occur in other places. Surgical treatment is usually quite straightforward and involves returning the abdominal contents to the inside and then reinforcing the abdominal wall in some way.

Thyroidectomy An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed. Parathyroidectomy An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and one or more of the parathyroid glands are removed.