About
Dr. Jeffrey William Herbert Cranford is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Kawartha Centre - Redefining Health and performing surgeries at Niagara Health System Hospital in St Catharines, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Cranford adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has over 42 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1982. Dr. Cranford is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and years of clinical experience enable him to offer expert surgical care tailored to each patient's needs.
With a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Cranford emphasizes a patient-centered approach that ensures clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery and better outcomes. Dr. Cranford collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Fluent in both English and French, he is able to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population in the St. Catharines community.
Dr. Jeffrey Cranford provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cranford addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cranford addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Cranford is necessary.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Cranford.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Cranford's primary clinic is located at Kawartha Centre - Redefining Health, situated within a well-equipped medical clinic in the St. Catharines neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-focused environment, with easy access to major healthcare facilities, including Niagara Health System Hospital, where most surgical procedures are performed. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can reach the clinic conveniently via local public transit routes, with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible parking spots. The practice provides comprehensive consultation and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless patient experience in a modern, accessible setting.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Cranford?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Cranford doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Cranford to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Cranford after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cranford perform?
- Dr. Cranford, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Cranford may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cranford?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Cranford is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Cranford will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cranford ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Cranford, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cranford do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Cranford, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Cranford provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cranford?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Cranford if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
Kawartha Centre - Redefining Health
300 Fourth Avenue
St Catharines, ON L2R 6P9
Clinic Phone: (289) 606-1333 | Clinic Fax: (289) 606-1331
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cranford is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Cranford for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Cranford's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cranford-Jeffrey-William-Herbert/0025290-30113