Useful information about surgeons 

What does a surgeon do? 

A surgeon performs surgical procedures on the digestive system, including the gastrointestinal tract, the hepato-bilio-pancreatic system and endocrine glands. They also operate on conditions of the breast, abdominal wall, hernias and, in some cases, the head and neck, treating both benign and oncological problems.

Why might you be referred to a surgeon? 

You are usually referred to a surgeon when a digestive condition, a hernia, a gallbladder or thyroid problem, or a cancer diagnosis requires surgical assessment. The aim is to review the case and propose the best treatment option. 

When should you see a surgeon? 

It is advisable to see a surgeon when surgery is being considered for bowel incontinence, acid reflux, obesity or hernias, as well as for findings such as liver cysts, gallstones, thyroid nodules or cancers of the digestive tract or breast that may need an operation. 

Surgery is one of the most common reasons people in the UK see a specialist: the NHS in England carries out more than 4.4 million procedures a year (Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2025), and around 6 in 10 people will need at least one operation in their lifetime (Abbott et al., 2024). 

With NHS waiting lists still well above pre-pandemic levels (British Medical Association, 2026), booking a consultation early can help. If pain, a lump or a long-standing issue such as a hernia or gallstones is affecting your sleep, work or daily activities, a surgeon can review your case, talk through the options and plan next steps with you. 

Why choose a surgeon? 

A surgeon has comprehensive surgical training covering the abdomen, breast and endocrine system. They work with both conventional and minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, which allows faster recovery and smaller scars in many procedures. 

Types of patients who see a surgeon 

People of all ages: patients with hernias, gallbladder problems, reflux, obesity, thyroid or breast conditions, as well as those with digestive cancer diagnoses who require surgical assessment or follow-up. 

Conditions treated by a surgeon 

• Hernia
• Gastric reflux
• Obesity
• Gallstones
• Colorectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Incisional hernia
• Bowel incontinence

Preparing for your consultation with a surgeon 

It is helpful to bring previous medical reports, recent imaging tests (ultrasound scans, CT, MRI), blood test results and a list of regular medications, including any anticoagulants. It is also useful to note down your symptoms and when they started. 

Tests or treatments a surgeon may request

• Laparoscopy
• Cholecystectomy
• Thyroid surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Gastric bypass
• Gastric sleeve
• Colonoscopy

How can I book an appointment with a surgeon? 

At Top Doctors, you can book a consultation with the best surgeon in just one click. Simply choose the specialist, date and time that best suit you. 

Best Surgery clinics in the UK 

At Top Doctors, you will find the best clinics specialising in Surgery across the UK, with surgical teams ready to support you through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for any condition.

References 

• Abbott, T. E. F., et al. (2024). The lifetime risk of surgery in England: A nationwide observational cohort study. British Journal of Anaesthesia. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 
• British Medical Association. (2026). NHS backlog data analysis. https://bma.org.uk 
• Royal College of Surgeons of England. (2025). Surgery and the NHS in numbers. https://rcseng.ac.uk