About
Dr. Annie Duchesne is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at CSSSG - Hôpital de Hull and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Gatineau, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). She has built a reputation for delivering safe, effective, and personalized surgical care. Dr. Duchesne’s focus is on accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, ensuring optimal recovery and patient comfort. Her dedication to her patients extends from initial consultation through post-operative follow-up, emphasizing a collaborative approach in a professional and patient-centered environment.
Dr. Duchesne holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 1995, bringing over 29 years of experience to her patients. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and maintains necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), license number 95019. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest surgical techniques and standards of care.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Duchesne emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and minimize discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she strives to deliver comprehensive management for her patients. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Duchesne is committed to offering compassionate, expert surgical care in Gatineau, ensuring a high standard of excellence and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Annie Duchesne provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Duchesne addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
- 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. Duchesne addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Annie Duchesne is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
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. Duchesne.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Duchesne's primary clinic is situated at CSSSG - Hôpital de Hull in Gatineau's Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood. The clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities to ensure patient safety and comfort. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system, ensuring convenient access for patients in the Gatineau area. The practice is committed to offering a seamless, patient-centered experience, emphasizing safety, confidentiality, and personalized care.
- Does Dr. Duchesne perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Duchesne 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. Duchesne whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Duchesne?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Duchesne is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Duchesne 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Duchesne perform?
- Dr. Duchesne, 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. Duchesne may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Duchesne do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Duchesne, 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. Duchesne provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Duchesne?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Duchesne 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Duchesne?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Duchesne doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Duchesne 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. Duchesne after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Duchesne ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Duchesne, 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.
CSSSG - Hôpital de Hull
116 boul Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7
Clinic Phone: (819) 966-6200
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Duchesne is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Duchesne for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Duchesne's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=95019