Dr. Aarthi Rajagopalan – General Surgeon | London, ON

Dr. Aarthi Rajagopalan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in London and performing surgeries at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital in London, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is patient-focused, dedicated to providing high-quality care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Rajagopalan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Mumbai (India). She has over 10 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having been practicing since 2014. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development underpin her commitment to surgical excellence and evidence-based practice.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Rajagopalan emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and minimal discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she aims to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Additionally, she is dedicated to ongoing education and surgical mastery. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and comfort during every step of care.

Dr. Aarthi Rajagopalan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Rajagopalan addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Rajagopalan 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.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

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

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• 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: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.

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. Rajagopalan.

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. Aarthi Rajagopalan practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located in London's Woodfield neighborhood within Wortley Village. The clinic provides a professional, patient-centered environment designed for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, which is easily accessible from the clinic. The hospital and clinic facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The practice is conveniently accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC) services, with close proximity to local parks including Springbank Park, making it easy for patients to access high-quality surgical care in a welcoming setting.

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

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

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Rajagopalan?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Rajagopalan is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Rajagopalan will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Rajagopalan perform?

Dr. Rajagopalan, 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. Rajagopalan may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Rajagopalan do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Rajagopalan ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Rajagopalan, 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. Rajagopalan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Rajagopalan to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Rajagopalan would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Rajagopalan 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.

310 Wellington Road,London,On
London, ON N6C 4P1

Clinic Phone: (519) 433-4700

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

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

Verify Dr. Rajagopalan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rajagopalan-Aarthi/0227557-83642