Dr. Aliyah Kanji – General Surgeon | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Aliyah Kanji is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Edmonton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Edmonton, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). 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 surgical 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. Kanji graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 2007. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Her credentials include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring her compliance with provincial standards for surgical practice.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Kanji utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and maintains a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, ensuring patients receive thorough and compassionate support throughout their surgical journey.

Dr. Aliyah Kanji provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Kanji addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• 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.
• 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. Kanji addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Aliyah Kanji is necessary.

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• 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.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• 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.

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. Kanji.

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. Kanji's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Government Centre and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility offers a professional, patient-oriented environment designed for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern operating rooms. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking, ensuring convenience for patients attending appointments or surgeries.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Kanji 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. Kanji will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kanji perform?

Dr. Kanji, 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. Kanji may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Kanji do?

Dr. Kanji, 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.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Kanji if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Kanji 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. Kanji whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kanji ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Kanji may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Kanji has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

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

10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Clinic Phone: (780) 424-3295 | Clinic Fax: (780) 426-2818

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

Dr. Kanji 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. Kanji for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Kanji's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a433a548-3d92-4267-89b6-45f0fad54a55&i=720