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The general surgical service is for the treatment of patients with emergency problems. Emergency conditions covered by the general surgical service range from non-specific abdominal pain and abscesses to life-threatening conditions such as acute abdominal bleeding and ruptured spleen.
On the John Radcliffe Hospital site there is a specialist assessment and treatment unit for surgical emergencies, the Surgical Emergency Unit (SEU). The unit provides dedicated triage and assessment for patients presenting with surgical problems, and patients requiring admission are housed within the unit. The SEU provides a single service from assessment to discharge.
On the Horton General Hospital site emergency patients are assessed in the Emergency Department. Inpatient care is provided on E ward, a dedicated surgical ward.
The following subspecialties form part of general surgery: