About
Dr. Andrew Earl Giles is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Byward Family Health Team in Kingston, ON, he performs surgeries at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He has expertise in 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. Dr. Giles's approach is centered on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, ensuring a collaborative and compassionate environment for his patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2019. With over five years of experience in the field, Dr. Giles is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. His ongoing commitment to professional development ensures he remains current with the latest surgical techniques and best practices.
Dr. Giles's professional philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, with a focus on clear communication and shared decision-making. He is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he aims to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Giles is committed to surgical excellence for patients in Kingston and provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Andrew Giles provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Giles addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Giles addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Andrew Giles is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- 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.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
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. Giles.
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. Giles's primary clinic is located at the Byward Family Health Team in Kingston's Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, conveniently accessible from the Kingston General Hospital Site. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice provides a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The location is easily accessible via Kingston Transit, ensuring convenient transportation options for patients from various parts of Kingston and surrounding regions.
- Does Dr. Giles perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Giles 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. Giles would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Giles?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Giles 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. Giles?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Giles is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Giles 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Giles?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Giles 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. Giles 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. Giles perform?
- Dr. Giles, 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. Giles may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Giles ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Giles, 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Giles do?
- Dr. Giles, 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.
Byward Family Health Team
76 Stuart St
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7
Clinic Phone: (613) 548-2383
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Giles 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. Giles for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Giles's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Giles-Andrew-Earl/0288552-100264