Rheumatologist vs. General Surgeon in Abu Dhabi: Who to Consult & When?

When it comes to medical needs, selecting the right specialist is key to appropriate treatment and diagnosis. Abu Dhabi has outstanding healthcare services with a variety of specialists for varying medical needs. Two of the most commonly seen specialists in Abu Dhabi are rheumatologists and general surgeons. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what they do, their expertise in their fields, and what kind of medical conditions they treat. This article will comprehensively review the differences between a rheumatologist and a general surgeon and help uncover who you would consult and when.

What Do Rheumatology Doctors Do?

Rheumatology basically refers to the study concerning the aetiologies, effects, and therapies of inflammatory autoimmune disorders in the human body. With this condition, a patient’s immune system malfunctions and begins to attack healthy body tissues rather than invading external disease agents.

A rheumatologist in Abu Dhabi is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting muscles, joints, and bones. Such doctors are trained in diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system as well as systemic autoimmune disorders. They typically deal with chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. These doctors try to treat their cases with less pain, as much as possible, and with reduced inflammation so that the quality of life will improve without surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment Methodologies of Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists deal with a whole arsenal of diagnostic methods for assessing a patient with active illness. Blood tests include specific markers such as rheumatoid factors (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), or C-reactive protein (CRP), which can detect autoimmune disorders or inflammatory processes internal to the body. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasonography may also be combined to assess whether there has been joint damage caused by inflammation.

Most treatment plans are holistic and may include:

• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or biologics.

• Physiotherapy: Individualised exercises for maintaining flexibility and strength in joints.

• Lifestyle Changes: Dietary changes, weight reduction, stress management.

• Pain Management Techniques: through heat and cold application, acupuncture, and joint protection techniques.

When Should You See a Rheumatologist?

You should be referred to a rheumatologist in Abu Dhabi if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Joint pain or joint swelling lasting longer than a few weeks
• Joint stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes in the morning
• Unexplained fatigue, fever, or rashes
• Symmetrical Joint pain, particularly in the hands and feet
• Muscle pain that is chronic and does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications

What Do General Surgeons Do?

A general surgeon is a doctor who specialises in operations. They are trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ailments with potential surgical intervention. The conditions include those affecting soft tissues in the abdomen, breast, endocrine system, head, and neck. Emergency surgery and care are provided by a general surgeon to harmed patients. General surgeons in Abu Dhabi also deal with traumatic injuries and procedures, including appendectomy, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and colon resections.

Before performing surgery, general surgeons conduct thorough assessments, including:

• Physical examinations are done where symptoms indicating some form of surgical intervention are determined.

• Imaging investigations include CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound examinations to identify the abnormality.

• Laboratory tests are done with blood and urine tests to determine the patient’s overall health before surgery.

When to Consult a General Surgeon

You should consider consulting a general surgeon in Abu Dhabi if you experience symptoms such as:

• Acute abdominal pain especially in the right lower quadrant (suspected ruptured appendix).

• Continued gastrointestinal complaints that do not improve with standard conservative care.

• Presence of lumps, growths, or masses that may require biopsy or removal.

• Any traumatic injuries involving internal organs or massive haemorrhage.

• Prolonged pain in the gallbladder accompanied by jaundice, which may be symptoms of gallstones or inflammation.

Distinction between the two

The main difference between these specialists is how they treat the condition.

A rheumatologist in Abu Dhabi mainly practices medical management of chronic and inflammatory conditions, and their treatment methodology is to minimise the symptoms of a condition without performing surgery. General surgeons in Abu Dhabi perform surgery to physically fix a health issue, whether it is due to an injury, organ malfunction, or a chronic condition that cannot be treated conservatively. 

Rheumatologists will take a whole-person approach to care, including lifestyle modification and long-term medication management, whereas general surgeons will be focused on surgical techniques and subsequent management. Each exploration of treatment provides patients with good options to enhance their health, and understanding the difference between rheumatologists, general surgeons, and other specialists will allow the patient to be aware of the care being offered and create an informed treatment pursuit.

How to choose

If you are hesitant regarding whether to see a rheumatologist or a general surgeon, speak to your physician. They can perform some initial evaluations and help steer you toward the relevant speciality. You may consider:

• Duration and Severity of Symptoms: If the symptoms are chronic and do not seem preferred surgical, they would generally be referred to a rheumatologist. If the symptoms seem acute or surgical, they would typically prompt seeing the surgeon. 

• Past Medical History: If there is a past medical history of autoimmune or inflammatory, you may get worked into a rheumatology consult. A surgical history would imply favouring a general surgeon consult.

Final Thoughts

Both rheumatologists and general surgeons in Abu Dhabi provide invaluable healthcare services. Determining the optimal direction for care will generally depend on the type of symptoms you are experiencing and how long you have been experiencing them. You should always seek early intervention and take the necessary steps to seek medical care as soon as symptoms develop. A key aspect of ongoing management of chronic joint pain, or urgent treatment for surgical purposes, is to identify the right specialist for your health circumstances.