Dr. Adrienne Lara Melck – General Surgeon | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Adrienne Lara Melck is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at St. Paul's Hospital and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Vancouver, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining a license number of 64429.

She has completed her medical education with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2003 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Her certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to surgical excellence.

Dr. Melck’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care through a patient-centered approach. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients and is dedicated to ongoing professional development to uphold the highest standards of surgical practice in Vancouver. She offers surgical consultations and ongoing care in English, ensuring accessible communication for her diverse patient population.

Dr. Adrienne Melck provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for 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. Adrienne Melck is necessary.

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.

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. Melck.

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. Melck's primary clinic is conveniently located at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver's Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). The practice is situated near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium), with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking for patients. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with convenient access to public transportation and parking options to support a seamless experience.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Melck 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Melck?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Melck is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Melck 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Melck perform?

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

Does Dr. Melck perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Melck 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. Melck would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Melck do?

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

St. Paul's Hospital
Room C303-1081 Burrard St, Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Clinic Phone: (604) 806-9108 | Clinic Fax: (604) 568-6214

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

Dr. Melck 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. Melck for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Melck's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327309/Melck%2CAdrienne