Dr. Andrea Marie Covelli – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Andrea Marie Covelli is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at QHC Regional Paediatric Services and performing surgeries at Sinai Health System Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. Covelli graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 7 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2017, she has developed a broad and refined skill set in surgical care. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms her qualification and commitment to professional excellence.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Covelli is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making at every stage. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, she strives to deliver compassionate, high-quality surgical services to the Toronto community. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Andrea Covelli provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Covelli addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Covelli 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.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for 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. Covelli.

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. Covelli primarily practices at the QHC Regional Paediatric Services located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which is easily accessible from the clinic. The location is conveniently situated near Cabbagetown and is well served by TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking for patients with mobility challenges.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Covelli perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Covelli ever specialize further?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Covelli 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.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Covelli is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Covelli 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Covelli do?

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

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

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

QHC Regional Paediatric Services
Suite 303 & 305, 1266- 600 Univeristy Ave
Toronto, ON M5G 1X6

Clinic Phone: (416) 586-5163 | Clinic Fax: (416) 586-8847

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

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

Verify Dr. Covelli's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Covelli-Andrea-Marie/0242599-86821