Dr. Arumairajah Muhunthan – General Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Arumairajah Muhunthan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Timmins and District Hospital in Sarnia, ON, he performs surgeries at Bluewater Health Hospital, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety. His clinic is located in Sarnia's Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood, conveniently close to the Imperial Theatre and accessible via Sarnia Transit. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Dr. Muhunthan is committed to providing a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and has accumulated over 31 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1993. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in Ontario.

Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Muhunthan emphasizes 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. Dedicated to surgical excellence, he continually pursues ongoing professional development. Fluent in Sinhalese, Tamil, and English, Dr. Muhunthan effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Sarnia, ensuring understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.

Dr. Arumairajah Muhunthan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Muhunthan addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail 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. Arumairajah Muhunthan is necessary.

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.

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. Muhunthan.

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. Muhunthan primarily practices at Timmins and District Hospital located in Sarnia's Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Bluewater Health Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical facilities. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Imperial Theatre and is accessible via Sarnia Transit, with accessible parking options usually available nearby. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable environment for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care. Patients can expect a professional setting that emphasizes privacy, safety, and personalized attention throughout their surgical journey.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Muhunthan is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Muhunthan 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.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Muhunthan 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Muhunthan ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Muhunthan 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. Muhunthan 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Muhunthan do?

Dr. Muhunthan, 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Muhunthan?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Muhunthan 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. Muhunthan 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. Muhunthan perform?

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

Does Dr. Muhunthan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Muhunthan 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. Muhunthan would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

Timmins and District Hospital
140 Cameron Street
Sarnia, ON N7T 4A8

Clinic Phone: (519) 383-7594 | Clinic Fax: (519) 383-8741

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

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

Verify Dr. Muhunthan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Muhunthan-Arumairajah/0057019-68607