Dr. Dennis Hong – General Surgeon | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Dennis Hong is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Byron Family Medical Centre and performing surgeries at Guelph General Hospital in Hamilton, 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). 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 focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Hong graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. With over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon, since 2002, he has developed a broad skill set in surgical management. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the highest professional standards and ongoing professional development requirements.

Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Hong emphasizes a patient-centered approach. He ensures clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence. Dr. Hong offers surgical consultations and care primarily in English for patients in Hamilton, Ontario.

Dr. Dennis Hong provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Hong addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• 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.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.

Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.

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. Hong.

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. Hong's primary clinic is located at Byron Family Medical Centre in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Guelph General Hospital, which is easily accessible and well-equipped for a wide range of surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated near the FirstOntario Centre and accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless patient experience.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hong do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Hong, 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. Hong provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Hong ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Hong, 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.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Hong 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Hong perform?

Dr. Hong, 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. Hong 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. Hong?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Hong 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. Hong will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

Byron Family Medical Centre
50 Charlton Ave E
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Clinic Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Clinic Fax: (289) 667-0111

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

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

Verify Dr. Hong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hong-Dennis/0117000-70422