About
Dr. Avery Nathens is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, he performs surgeries at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, ensuring high standards of care. He is a proud member of the surgical community adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His 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. Nathens’s environment is professional and patient-oriented, designed to promote comfort, privacy, and optimal outcomes for all patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has accumulated over 26 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1998. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his expertise and commitment to surgical excellence. Throughout his career, he has continually advanced his skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care for his patients.
Dr. Nathens’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence underscores his commitment to delivering the highest standard of care for patients in Toronto. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring effective communication at every stage of treatment.
Dr. Avery Nathens provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Nathens addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Nathens addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Avery Nathens is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
- 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. Nathens.
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. Nathens's primary clinic is located at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto’s Lawrence Park neighborhood, offering a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a leading hospital equipped with modern surgical suites. The clinic and affiliated 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. The practice is conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with proximity to Cherry Beach, ensuring ease of access for all patients and their families.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Nathens perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Nathens do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Nathens, 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. Nathens provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Nathens?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Nathens?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Nathens doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Nathens ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens 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.
- Does Dr. Nathens perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Nathens?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Nathens 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.
Hospital for Sick Children
Room S 107, 2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Clinic Phone: (416) 480-4095 | Clinic Fax: (416) 234-1709
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Nathens 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. Nathens for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Nathens's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Nathens-Avery/0048219-62197