Dr. Alyssa MacLean – General Surgeon | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Alyssa MacLean is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Grande Prairie and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Grande Prairie, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the highest 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. Her approach 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. MacLean graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Her certification is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), and she maintains her credentials through ongoing professional development and adherence to best practices.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. MacLean utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, and is dedicated to surgical excellence. She also communicates effectively in French and English, allowing her to serve a diverse patient population in Grande Prairie.

Dr. Alyssa MacLean provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. MacLean addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.

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. MacLean.

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. MacLean's primary clinic is located within a surgical clinic in Grande Prairie, situated in the Central Grande Prairie, Mountview, Swanavon neighborhood. The clinic provides a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Grande Prairie, AB. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Grande Prairie Transit, and is situated near Gateway Power Centre, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive surgical services in a welcoming setting.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. MacLean perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. MacLean 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. MacLean?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. MacLean do?

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

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. MacLean ever specialize further?

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

9909 102 St, 214 Place North
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4

Clinic Phone: (780) 539-4545

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

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

Verify Dr. MacLean's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ff9f9d0a-a645-4a99-b712-c13109fe4602&i=907