Dr. Akushla Indunila Wijayanayagam – General Surgeon | Port Alberni, BC

Dr. Akushla Indunila Wijayanayagam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Wijayanayagam Akushla Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Port Alberni, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice upholds the principles of safety, professionalism, and patient-centered care. Her role involves 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.

With a strong educational background, Dr. Wijayanayagam graduated with an MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1999. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains at the forefront of surgical innovations and best practices, providing her patients with the most current and effective treatment options.

Dr. Wijayanayagam's professional philosophy is centered around providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Her dedication to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate aims to facilitate quicker recovery and reduce discomfort. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, she strives to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she offers consultations and post-operative care in English, committed to supporting her patients in Port Alberni with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Akushla Wijayanayagam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Wijayanayagam addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Wijayanayagam addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.

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. Wijayanayagam.

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. Wijayanayagam practices at a medical clinic in Port Alberni, BC, located conveniently in the neighborhood close to major healthcare facilities. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with parking available at or near the clinic and affiliated hospitals, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with modern amenities to support their needs.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Wijayanayagam is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Wijayanayagam 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.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Wijayanayagam 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. Wijayanayagam whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Wijayanayagam do?

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

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Wijayanayagam doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Wijayanayagam 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. Wijayanayagam after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Wijayanayagam ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Wijayanayagam may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Wijayanayagam has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Wijayanayagam 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. Wijayanayagam perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Wijayanayagam 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. Wijayanayagam's areas of focus within general surgery.

Wijayanayagam Akushla Dr
162-5091 Tsuma-As Dr
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8X9

Clinic Phone: (250) 720-2283 | Clinic Fax: (250) 720-2263

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

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

Verify Dr. Wijayanayagam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326026/Wijayanayagam%2CAkushla