Dr. Andrew James Smith – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Andrew James Smith is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Groves Memorial Community Hospital and performing surgeries at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Smith adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice aligns with the best practices in Canadian healthcare. 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. His 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. Smith graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 27 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1997, he has developed a deep expertise in surgical care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Smith adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Smith is dedicated to offering the highest standard of surgical care for patients in Toronto. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a compassionate and attentive manner.

Dr. Andrew Smith provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Smith addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.

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 Smith is necessary.

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.

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. Smith.

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. Smith's primary clinic is located at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Toronto's Lawrence Park neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which is equipped with modern facilities and supporting staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The clinic and hospital are easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with parking typically available at or near the locations, including designated accessible spots. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a seamless experience with dedicated staff committed to providing high-quality care in a convenient and accessible setting.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Smith perform?

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Smith 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Smith do?

Dr. Smith, 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Smith ever specialize further?

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

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

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

Groves Memorial Community Hospital
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Clinic Phone: (416) 480-5112

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

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

Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Smith-Andrew-James/0048515-62493