The department of surgery of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is one of the founding departments of the hospital, which started when the hospital was created in 1961. The department expanded over the years with subspecialties introduction in 1982. Departments of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and more recently, Orthopaedics and traumatology were created from the department of surgery. Presently there are 6 major units (subspecialties) in the department. However, some units are further subdivided into two teams. These units (and teams) are:
1. General surgery (Teams A&B)
2. Paediatric surgery
3. Urology (Teams A & B)
4. Cardiothoracic and vascular surgery
5. Burns and plastic surgery
6. Neurosurgery

Each unit are sub-divided into sub-units. This is to ensure proficiency in surgical skills development and management of patients presenting to the hospital.

Vision Statement

To be a foremost university department of surgery in a tertiary hospital, aspiring to achieve national and international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and patient care.

Mission Statement

1. To provide comprehensive and globally relevant undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in surgery
2. To facilitate the performance of research projects especially those that improves the outcome of surgery
3. To provide the highest quality of care for patients with surgical disorders in a tertiary health institution.