Dr. Anders Richard Merg – General Surgeon | Trail, BC

Dr. Anders Richard Merg is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Trail and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Trail, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Merg’s role encompasses 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. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Merg graduated with an MD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in 1996. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains at the forefront of surgical best practices, committed to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

His professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and the utilization of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to optimize recovery. Dr. Merg collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence. He provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, committed to serving the community of Trail with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Anders Merg provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
• 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.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer 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. Merg.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Merg practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located within a reputable medical facility in Trail. The clinic is situated in the vibrant Trail neighborhood, easily accessible from major transportation routes and public transit options. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Trail, which are equipped with modern operating theaters and comprehensive patient care services. The clinic and hospital facilities 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 practice offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless patient experience from initial contact through recovery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Merg ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Merg 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. Merg has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Merg 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.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Merg do?

Dr. Merg, 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.

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

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

306-1101 Dewdney Ave
Trail, BC V1R 4T1

Clinic Phone: (250) 368-5511

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

Dr. Merg is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Merg for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Merg's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339150/Merg%2CAnders