Dr. Santosh Pudupakkam – General Surgeon | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Santosh Pudupakkam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Sudbury and performing surgeries at Health Sciences North Hospital in Sudbury, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. 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 approach is skilled and compassionate, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 24 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2000, Dr. Pudupakkam brings a wealth of expertise and clinical acumen to his practice. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms his qualifications and commitment to surgical excellence.

Dr. Pudupakkam's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to optimize recovery and minimize discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development to maintain surgical excellence. His dedication is to serve the patients of Sudbury with the highest standards of surgical care, delivering consultations and surgical treatments in English in a compassionate and professional manner.

Dr. Santosh Pudupakkam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Pudupakkam addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Pudupakkam addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Santosh Pudupakkam is necessary.

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• 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.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.

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. Pudupakkam.

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. Pudupakkam's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Sudbury, situated in the vibrant Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Health Sciences North Hospital, a well-equipped facility with modern surgical suites. The clinic and hospital are conveniently accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit), with parking available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless experience from initial visit to recovery.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Pudupakkam?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Pudupakkam is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Pudupakkam?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Pudupakkam varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Pudupakkam will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Pudupakkam ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Pudupakkam, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Pudupakkam perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Pudupakkam is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Pudupakkam's areas of focus within general surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Pudupakkam do?

Dr. Pudupakkam, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.

2140 Regent Street
Sudbury, ON P3E 5S8

Clinic Phone: (705) 522-4611 | Clinic Fax: (705) 522-4158

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Pudupakkam 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. Pudupakkam for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Pudupakkam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pudupakkam-Santosh/0056240-67828