Dr. Allison Heather Maciver – General Surgeon | London, ON

Dr. Allison Heather Maciver is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital and performing surgeries at London Health Sciences Centre in London, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Dr. Maciver 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 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. Maciver graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 10 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having been practicing since 2014. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which certifies her comprehensive surgical training and expertise. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains at the forefront of surgical advancements and best practices.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Maciver is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she strives for comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. Her dedication to surgical excellence in London ensures that patients receive compassionate, high-quality care. She provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, fostering a transparent and trusting doctor-patient relationship.

Dr. Allison Maciver provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.

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. Maciver.

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. Maciver primarily practices at The Ottawa Hospital in London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the London Health Sciences Centre. The clinic is conveniently located near Budweiser Gardens, with easy access via the London Transit Commission (LTC). The facility and affiliated hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. The practice environment is professional and patient-oriented, providing a comfortable setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking for patients with mobility needs.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Maciver perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Maciver 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. Maciver's areas of focus within general surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Maciver do?

Dr. Maciver, 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. Maciver?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Maciver is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Maciver 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. Maciver perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

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

The Ottawa Hospital
800 Commissioners Rd E, Box 678 Division of Geriatric Medicine
London, ON N6A 5W9

Clinic Phone: (519) 685-8500

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

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

Verify Dr. Maciver's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Maciver-Allison-Heather/0284273-99409