The viscera are the large internal organs of the body collectively. Visceral surgery is a specialised branch of general surgery. It focuses on the disorders and deformities of the viscera – and mammary glands – that can be treated through surgical intervention.
The visceral surgeon often works closely with the gastroenterologist. If the latter diagnoses gall stones in a patient, the visceral surgeon removes them surgically. He also operates where tumours are found in the viscera and carries out interventions on haemorrhoids (piles). Although he carries out most interventions laparoscopically, i.e. using an endoscope (optical instrument) adapted for the viscera, he can also use modern laser techniques.
After an intervention the visceral surgeon looks after his patients until they get better.