About
Dr. Alexandra Mihailovic is a skilled General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Victoria and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Victoria, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She has expertise in 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. The 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. Mihailovic graduated with an MD from McMaster University in 2001 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon with a focus on Critical Care. She has attained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Her professional philosophy centers on 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. Dr. Mihailovic is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce complications. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to continuous learning to stay at the forefront of surgical advancements. Fluent in English and French, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and comfort at every stage of care.
Dr. Alexandra Mihailovic provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Vascular Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Vascular Subspecialty)
Dr. Mihailovic addresses addressing diseases of the arteries and veins outside of the heart and brain, often managed by general surgeons with vascular expertise or dedicated vascular surgeons.
- Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency - select treatments: Aimed at symptom relief and preventing complications.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - screening/referral/select repairs: Surgical or endovascular repair (EVAR) for larger aneurysms at risk of rupture.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - select cases: Surgical bypass or endovascular interventions for blockages in the arteries of the legs, causing pain or non-healing ulcers.
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Mihailovic addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
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 Mihailovic is necessary.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- 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.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
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. Mihailovic.
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. Mihailovic practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the Fairfield East and Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria, BC. Her clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated hospitals in Victoria, which are equipped for safe and efficient surgical care. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Located conveniently near the Major North-South Route, the clinic is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Mihailovic?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Mihailovic is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Mihailovic 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. Mihailovic perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Mihailovic 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. Mihailovic whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Mihailovic perform?
- Dr. Mihailovic, a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), 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. Mihailovic may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihailovic?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihailovic is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Mihailovic?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Mihailovic doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Mihailovic 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. Mihailovic after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihailovic do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Mihailovic, 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 (Critical Care Focus), Dr. Mihailovic provides comprehensive surgical management.
302-2020 Richmond Ave, General Surgery and Critical Care
Victoria, BC V8R 6R5
Clinic Phone: (250) 592-4313 | Clinic Fax: (250) 592-5020
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Mihailovic is a licensed General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus) 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. Mihailovic for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Mihailovic's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340263/Mihailovic%2CAlexandra