About
Dr. Alexandra Allard-Coutu is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cambridge, she performs surgeries primarily at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Cambridge, ON. She is a dedicated member of the surgical community, adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her focus is on providing compassionate, expert care to all patients, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and effective treatment options. Dr. Allard-Coutu’s practice is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 4 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2020, she has developed a broad expertise in managing a variety of surgical conditions. Dr. Allard-Coutu is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and commitment to surgical excellence.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients, ensuring they are fully informed about their treatment options. Dr. Allard-Coutu prioritizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and reduce discomfort. She actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management of complex cases. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, she strives to maintain surgical excellence for her patients in Cambridge. Additionally, she communicates effectively in both English and French, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population with compassion and understanding.
Dr. Alexandra Allard-Coutu provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Allard-Coutu addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Allard-Coutu addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Alexandra Allard-Coutu is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
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. Allard-Coutu.
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. Allard-Coutu primarily practices at a dedicated surgical clinic located in Cambridge's Preston Centre, Preston Heights neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, which is easily accessible from the clinic. The facility is situated near the Idea Exchange Hespeler, with convenient access via Grand River Transit (GRT). The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can generally find accessible parking nearby, making visits to the practice straightforward and comfortable. The location is ideal for those seeking expert surgical care in a patient-focused setting.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Allard-Coutu?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Allard-Coutu doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Allard-Coutu 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. Allard-Coutu after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Allard-Coutu perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Allard-Coutu 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. Allard-Coutu's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Allard-Coutu do?
- Dr. Allard-Coutu, 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Allard-Coutu ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Allard-Coutu, 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. Allard-Coutu?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Allard-Coutu varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Allard-Coutu will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
700 Coronation Boulevard
Cambridge, ON N1R 3G2
Clinic Phone: (519) 621-2330
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Allard-Coutu 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. Allard-Coutu for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Allard-Coutu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/AllardCoutu-Alexandra/0302478-106731