Dr. Abram Taves is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Vernon and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Vernon, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Taves adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and effective patient care. His 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. The 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.
Dr. Taves graduated with his MD from the University of Manitoba in 1974 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has earned certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. His training and credentials enable him to deliver comprehensive surgical care across a broad spectrum of conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized and evidence-based treatment.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Taves is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development to maintain surgical excellence. Serving the Vernon community, he strives to deliver compassionate, high-quality surgical services, ensuring every patient feels cared for and well-informed throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. Abram Taves provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Taves addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Taves addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- 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. Abram Taves is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
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. Taves.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Taves's primary clinic is located in the heart of Vernon, situated within a modern surgical facility in the Central Vernon neighborhood, close to the Downtown core. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Kin Beach and is well served by the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment designed for comfort and privacy during consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking, making it easy for patients to access services. The practice offers a comprehensive approach to surgical care, emphasizing patient comfort and optimal outcomes.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Taves perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Taves 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. Taves's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Taves ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Taves, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Taves?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Taves is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Taves 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Taves do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Taves, 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. Taves provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Taves perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Taves 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. Taves whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Taves?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Taves 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Taves?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Taves doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Taves 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. Taves after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
3107 35 Ave
Vernon, BC V1T 2T2
Clinic Phone: (250) 545-6443 | Clinic Fax: (250) 545-8212
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Taves is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Taves for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Taves's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/353060/Taves%2CAbram