About
Dr. Alexander Wilson Iskander is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Division of Cardiology located in Toronto's Northwood Park, York University neighborhood, he performs surgical procedures primarily at Humber River Hospital. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a professional and welcoming environment. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Dr. Iskander's focus is on delivering precise diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and compassionate surgical care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
He has earned his medical degree from the University of Gezira in Sudan and has over 24 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2000. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), he maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in surgical practice. His extensive training and experience enable him to manage complex surgical cases with confidence and a focus on optimal outcomes.
Dr. Iskander’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to continuous improvement in surgical techniques and patient safety. Fluent in English and Arabic, he strives to serve Toronto’s diverse community with compassion and understanding, ensuring each patient feels informed and supported throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. Alexander Iskander provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Iskander 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): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Iskander addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Alexander Iskander is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- 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).
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- 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.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
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. Iskander.
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. Iskander's primary clinic is situated at the Division of Cardiology in Toronto's Northwood Park, near York University. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Humber River Hospital, a modern facility equipped with advanced surgical suites. The practice is conveniently located close to attractions such as the Bata Shoe Museum and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, patient-focused environment for consultations, surgical planning, and follow-up care, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive experience throughout their treatment journey.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Iskander do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Iskander, 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. Iskander provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Iskander perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Iskander?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Iskander doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Iskander?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Iskander is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Iskander?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
Division of Cardiology
1280 Finch Ave West, St Michael's Hospital
Toronto, ON M3J 3K6
Clinic Phone: (416) 782-1016 | Clinic Fax: (416) 782-1742
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Iskander 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. Iskander for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Iskander's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Iskander-Alexander-Wilson/0057156-68744