About
Dr. Asher Allan Umar Khitab is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at ISM Rehab and performing surgeries at Lakeridge Health Hospital in Ajax, 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), ensuring safe and effective patient care. 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 post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Khitab graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2002, he has developed a deep understanding and proficiency in his specialty. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to deliver comprehensive surgical care tailored to each patient's needs.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Khitab is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Khitab strives to deliver the highest standard of care for patients in Ajax. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, emphasizing compassion and transparency throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Asher Khitab provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Khitab addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Khitab addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Asher Khitab is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
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. Khitab.
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. Khitab's primary clinic is located at ISM Rehab in Ajax, situated in the Southwood, Pickering Beach neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Lakeridge Health Hospital, which is conveniently accessible and equipped for a wide range of surgical services. The facility is located near Ajax Casino and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Both the clinic and hospital facilities 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, ensuring convenient access for all patients seeking expert surgical care in Ajax.
- Does Dr. Khitab perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Khitab perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Khitab?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab 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. Khitab?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Khitab ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab 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. Khitab do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Khitab, 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. Khitab provides comprehensive surgical management.
ISM Rehab
Suite 506, 601 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax, ON L1S 2J5
Clinic Phone: (905) 427-6399 | Clinic Fax: (905) 427-9174
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Khitab 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. Khitab for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Khitab's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Umar-Khitab-Asher-Allan/0139409-71167