About
Dr. Alison Ellen Tilley is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and performing surgeries at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. Her approach is centered on providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Tilley graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 12 years of experience as a General Surgeon since beginning her practice in 2012. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest advancements in surgical care and techniques.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Tilley is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she strives to provide the highest standard of care for her patients in Cobourg, offering consultations and surgical care in English.
Dr. Alison Tilley provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Tilley addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Tilley addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Alison Tilley is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
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. Tilley.
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. Tilley's primary clinic is located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Cobourg. The clinic provides easy access to patients, being close to major healthcare facilities, and is well-connected via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Convenient parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking, making the experience as seamless as possible for patients seeking surgical consultation or post-operative follow-up. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Northumberland Hills Hospital, a trusted local healthcare provider known for its comprehensive surgical services.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Tilley?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Tilley 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Tilley?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Tilley 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. Tilley will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Tilley perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Tilley 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. Tilley whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Tilley perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Tilley 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. Tilley's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Tilley?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Tilley 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. Tilley will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Tilley ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Tilley, 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.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room H186, 209-1005 Elgin St W
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4
Clinic Phone: (905) 373-4366 | Clinic Fax: (905) 373-0687
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Tilley 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. Tilley for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Tilley's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tilley-Alison-Ellen/0233793-84523