Not long ago, catheter procedures and surgical reconstructions required several weeks of painful recovery. Today, skilled general surgeons use the most advanced and minimally invasive techniques so that patients enjoy quicker recovery times with much less discomfort. These doctors are equipped to surgically treat diseases of the skin, breast and soft tissue as well as repair hernias and abdominal organs including the pancreas, stomach, liver and bowels. In addition to general surgery, vascular surgeons specialize in treating diseases of the arteries and veins — everything from varicose veins to aortic aneurysm.