The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word LISTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
L
I
S
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result LISTER
- Skin defect’s beginning to disappear, surgeon’s found
- Surgeon reveals inclination about getting a rise
- Pioneer in surgery, one keeling over?
- Added to register, the Queen’s surgeon
- Minor skin problem? You don’t need b____ surgeon!
- British surgeon excising black pustule
- Pioneering surgeon one catalogues, might you say?
- Medical scientist, one making itemised records?
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Surgeon" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case surgeon = lister.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LISTER mean?
LISTER noun- A spear armed with three or more prongs, for striking fish.
- One who, or that which, lists or produces a listing.
- A person or organisation that creates or maintains lists.
- A birdwatcher who keeps track of birds using different checklists.
- A double-mouldboard plough that throws a deep furrow and at the same time plants and covers grain in the bottom of the furrow.