Dr. Alexandra Sin Kwan Chow is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in St. Albert, she performs surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in the St. Albert area. Her 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. The clinic is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood, easily accessible via major routes including Connects to Anthony Henday Drive. It is conveniently reachable by St. Albert Transit (StAT), offering both local and commuter services to Edmonton. The facility and affiliated hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Ample parking options, including accessible parking, are usually available nearby, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all patients.
Dr. Chow graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2016. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta, including certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her ongoing professional development and adherence to the highest standards of surgical care.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Chow emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable with their treatment plans. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management. Dedicated to surgical excellence for her patients in St. Albert, she is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. Dr. Chow is committed to ongoing learning and surgical innovation to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Alexandra Chow provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chow addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chow addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
- 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. Alexandra Chow is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
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. Chow.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Chow's primary clinic is located in a dedicated surgical practice within the St. Albert area, situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgeries are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with modern facilities. The practice is easily accessible via major roads, with ample parking including accessible options. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. The location connects conveniently to Anthony Henday Drive and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT), providing both local and commuter services from Edmonton. Patients can expect a seamless experience in a facility committed to high standards of care and patient satisfaction.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chow?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Chow 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chow perform?
- Dr. Chow, a General Surgeon, 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. Chow may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Chow perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Chow 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. Chow would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chow do?
- Dr. Chow, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Chow?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Chow 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. Chow will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
4 St Joseph St
St. Albert, AB T8N 0B5
Clinic Phone: (780) 459-6633
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chow is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Chow for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Chow's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a12b4d90-c82d-4b07-8729-b99c768f7524&i=292