ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better understanding of general surgery and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Patients with large symptomatic veins should be referred for discussion rather than the expectation that they will definitely be offered surgery. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs during general surgery. The overlooked diagnoses of diseases/disorders are: carotid artery aneurysms, carotid body tumours, non-atheromatous claudication, obturator hernia, calf muscle hernia, lumps on the head, sister Mary Joseph nodule, and spigelian hernia. The chapter then provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
