Dr. Alistair James Sharples – General Surgeon | Brockville, ON

Dr. Alistair James Sharples is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Jackson Square Medical Center and performing surgeries at Brockville General Hospital in Brockville, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Dr. Sharples's 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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Manchester Medical School in the United Kingdom. With over 1 year of experience as a General Surgeon since 2023, he has rapidly established a reputation for compassionate and effective surgical care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient safety.

Dr. Sharples's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize recovery time and improve patient outcomes. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Sharples provides surgical consultations and care in English, serving the Brockville community with dedication and compassion.

Dr. Alistair Sharples provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Sharples addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Sharples addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• 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. Alistair Sharples is necessary.

• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.

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. Sharples.

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. Sharples's primary clinic is located at Jackson Square Medical Center, a reputable medical facility situated in the heart of Brockville's healthcare district. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Brockville General Hospital, conveniently accessible via major healthcare facilities in the city. The clinic and hospital are easily reachable by local public transit routes and offer accessible facilities; both are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The location provides a dedicated space for personalized surgical care within a compassionate and efficient healthcare setting.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Sharples?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Sharples 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Sharples ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Sharples, 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 surgical skills.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Sharples do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Sharples, 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. Sharples provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Sharples?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Sharples doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Sharples 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. Sharples after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sharples?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Sharples 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. Sharples will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

Does Dr. Sharples perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Sharples 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. Sharples would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

Jackson Square Medical Center
75 Charles Street
Brockville, ON K6V 1S8

Clinic Phone: (431) 655-5956

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Sharples 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. Sharples for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Sharples's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sharples-Alistair-James/0342994-151154