What Is General Surgery? 

General surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating and managing conditions that affect key areas of the body, including the digestive tract, abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissue, endocrine system, head, neck and vascular system. It involves comprehensive training across these areas, covering all stages of surgical care, from evaluation and surgery to recovery and complication management.

What Do General Surgeons Do? 

General surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that may require surgery. They perform operations, manage complications and provide follow-up care. Their scope of work includes supporting patients with injuries, certain cancers or health problems involving the digestive system, endocrine organs or soft tissues. General surgeons also coordinate care with other specialists when needed and are often involved in emergency and trauma situations.

What Does General Surgery Include?

General surgery services include treatment and surgical care in areas such as:

• The abdomen and digestive tract
• The breast, skin and soft tissue
• The head and neck, including certain glands and skin-related conditions
• Blood vessels, excluding those in the brain and heart
• The endocrine system, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas

It also involves support for patients with cancer, traumatic injuries or critical illness, including care in emergency rooms, ICUs and trauma or burn units. Training in general surgery includes experience in endoscopy, emergency care and intensive care settings.

What Is da Vinci Surgery?

Da Vinci robotic surgery is a type of robotic-assisted technique used in many areas of general surgery. It involves a specialized system that helps surgeons perform procedures with greater precision and control, especially in delicate or hard-to-reach areas.

In general surgery, the da Vinci system is commonly used for procedures involving the digestive tract, abdomen or soft tissues. It supports minimally invasive surgery, which may involve smaller incisions than traditional surgery, depending on the specific case and the surgeon’s judgment.

The system includes robotic arms fitted with surgical tools, a high-definition 3D camera and a console where the surgeon sits and directs the entire procedure. From this console, the surgeon’s hand movements are translated into small, accurate motions inside the body. The camera gives a magnified, detailed view of the surgical site, helping the surgeon see clearly while working.

Outpatient procedures at our El Mirador Surgery Center

For surgeries that don't require an overnight hospital stay, Desert Care Network operates El Mirador Surgery Center, a comprehensive outpatient surgery suite, conveniently located on the campus of Desert Regional Medical Center. The center offers a relaxed setting for outpatient procedures with the same high standards as our in-patient setting. El Mirador Surgery Center akes most health care insurance and Medicare, and pre-operative testing is completed on site.

To contact

El Mirador Surgery Center, call (760) 416-4600.

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