The term “viscera” refers to the internal organs of the body. Visceral surgery is a specialized field of surgery. It encompasses diseases and congenital abnormalities of the internal organs—and also of the breast—that can be treated surgically.
Visceral surgeons often work closely with gastroenterologists. For example, if gallstones are detected in a patient, the visceral surgeon will remove them surgically. They also operate in cases of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and are responsible for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Many of these procedures are performed laparoscopically, that is, using minimally invasive abdominal surgery, and modern laser techniques are also applied.
After a procedure, the specialist in visceral surgery continues to care for patients until the healing process is complete.