Dr. Alan Kamitakahara – General Surgeon | Coquitlam, BC

Dr. Alan Kamitakahara is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Coquitlam and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Coquitlam, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He has expertise in 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 surgical 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.

Dr. Kamitakahara graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 1968 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He is board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical education. His certifications exemplify his commitment to maintaining expertise in current surgical practices and patient safety.

He is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Kamitakahara emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence allows him to deliver the highest standard of care to residents of Coquitlam. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring effective communication with his patients.

Dr. Alan Kamitakahara provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Kamitakahara 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.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

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

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• 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. Kamitakahara.

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. Kamitakahara's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical practice in Coquitlam, situated in the Coquitlam Town Centre, Eagle Ridge neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from major transit routes, including proximity to Coquitlam Centre Mall. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink services such as the SkyTrain Millennium Line, West Coast Express, and local bus routes. The clinic and affiliated hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, providing a professional environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Ample parking options, including accessible parking, are usually available nearby to ensure ease of access for all patients.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kamitakahara perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Kamitakahara do?

Dr. Kamitakahara, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Kamitakahara 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. Kamitakahara will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Kamitakahara 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kamitakahara ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Kamitakahara, 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.

229-3030 Lincoln Ave, Vein Clinic
Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4

Clinic Phone: (604) 942-1377 | Clinic Fax: (604) 942-6365

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

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

Verify Dr. Kamitakahara's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/348313/Kamitakahara%2CAlan