About
Dr. Andrew James Willis Samis is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and performing surgeries at Quinte Healthcare Corporation Hospital in Belleville, 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, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Samis graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 24 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2000, he has developed a comprehensive skill set to address a wide spectrum of surgical conditions. 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 centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Samis emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. His dedication to his patients in Belleville ensures they receive compassionate, high-quality surgical care in a supportive environment. Dr. Samis provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Andrew Samis provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Samis addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Samis addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
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 Samis is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
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. Samis.
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. Samis's primary clinic is located at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Belleville's West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Quinte Healthcare Corporation Hospital, situated conveniently within the city. The clinic is accessible via the Commercial Corridor and is well-connected to Belleville Transit services, ensuring easy access for patients. The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment fosters professional, patient-oriented consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing comfort, safety, and confidentiality.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Samis perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Samis 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. Samis's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Does Dr. Samis perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Samis 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. Samis whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Samis ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Samis 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. Samis 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Samis?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Samis 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. Samis will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Samis?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Samis 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Samis do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Samis, 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. Samis provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Samis?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Samis 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. Samis will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Room H2410, 265 Dundas Street East, Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology
Belleville, ON K8N 5A9
Clinic Phone: (613) 969-7400
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Samis 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. Samis for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Samis's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Samis-Andrew-James-Willis/0057292-68880