About
Dr. Andrew Francis Cyril Stratford is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cobourg and performing surgeries at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, ON, 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 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. The practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Stratford graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2005, he has developed a comprehensive skill set and deep expertise in his field. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with national standards for surgical excellence and patient safety.
His professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Stratford is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He 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, Dr. Stratford strives to offer the highest standard of surgical care for patients in Cobourg. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Andrew Stratford provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Stratford addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Stratford addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
- 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. Andrew Stratford is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
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. Stratford.
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. Stratford's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Cobourg, situated within a well-equipped medical facility designed to prioritize patient comfort and confidentiality. The clinic is conveniently located in the Cobourg neighborhood, accessible via local public transit routes and with ample parking options, including accessible parking. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Northumberland Hills Hospital, a modern healthcare facility equipped to support a range of surgical interventions. The practice environment fosters a professional, patient-centered approach, ensuring comprehensive care from initial consultation through to follow-up and post-operative recovery. Patients can expect easy access to the clinic with convenient parking options usually found nearby.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Stratford?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Stratford 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.
- Does Dr. Stratford perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Stratford 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. Stratford whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Stratford perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Stratford 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. Stratford's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Stratford do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Stratford, 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. Stratford provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Stratford ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Stratford, 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.
Unit 3-4, 1005 Elgin Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4
Clinic Phone: (905) 373-4366 | Clinic Fax: (905) 373-0687
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Stratford 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. Stratford for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Stratford's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Stratford-Andrew-Francis-Cyril/0169036-74885