About
Dr. Neil Howard Merritt is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in London and performing surgeries at London Health Sciences Centre in London, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Merritt's role involves 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 rooted in providing high-quality, compassionate care, guiding patients from initial consultation through post-operative recovery with a focus on safety, effectiveness, and patient comfort.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has accumulated over 18 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having started his practice in 2006. Dr. Merritt is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care.
Dr. Merritt's professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, evidence-based surgical care within a patient-centered environment. He is dedicated to clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient's condition. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Merritt strives to provide exceptional surgical services to the London community, offering consultations and care in English in a compassionate and skilled manner.
Dr. Neil Merritt provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Merritt addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Merritt addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Neil Merritt is necessary.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
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. Merritt.
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. Merritt's primary clinic is situated in a well-equipped surgical facility in London's Downtown London East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located within the vicinity of the SoHo District, easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Patients and visitors can find parking 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. Surgical procedures are typically performed at London Health Sciences Centre, which is equipped with modern operating rooms and recovery areas. The environment fosters a professional, patient-oriented approach, ensuring comprehensive consultation and follow-up surgical care in a setting that emphasizes safety, privacy, and patient comfort.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Merritt ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Merritt, 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.
- Does Dr. Merritt perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Merritt are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. Merritt whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Merritt?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Merritt doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Merritt 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. Merritt after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Merritt do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Merritt, 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. Merritt provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Merritt?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Merritt 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Merritt perform?
- Dr. Merritt, 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. Merritt may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON N6A 5W9
Clinic Phone: (519) 685-8454 | Clinic Fax: (519) 685-8241
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Merritt 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. Merritt for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Merritt's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Merritt-Neil-Howard/0181563-76087