General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the alimentary canal and abdominal contents, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix, and bile ducts. General surgeons also handle conditions involving the skin, breast, soft tissue, trauma, peripheral artery disease, and hernias. They perform a variety of procedures, including endoscopic surgeries like gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and are often involved in trauma care, performing emergency surgeries such as thoracostomy and laparotomy. General surgeons are trained to manage a broad spectrum of diseases and perform surgeries for various conditions, making them versatile medical professionals.