About
Dr. Azim Valji is a skilled General and Thoracic Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Edmonton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Edmonton, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). He has advanced expertise in Thoracic Surgery, treating conditions of the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall, including cancers and benign diseases, alongside his general surgery practice. 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. Valji graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1989. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General and Thoracic Surgeon in Alberta. His certifications include specialty certification in General and Thoracic Surgery, ensuring he maintains the highest standards of surgical competence and professionalism.
His professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Valji is committed to 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 ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Valji also communicates effectively in Gujarati, in addition to English, to serve Edmonton’s diverse patient population.
Dr. Azim Valji provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions (Benign and Malignant)
Dr. Valji addresses covering a variety of lesions affecting the skin and underlying soft tissues, ranging from common benign growths to skin cancers.
- Pilonidal Disease: Procedures to resolve infection and prevent recurrence.
- Benign Skin Lesions (e.g., Cysts, Lipomas, Moles/Nevi): Procedures are often minor and performed under local anesthesia.
Vascular Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Vascular Subspecialty)
Dr. Valji addresses surgical and endovascular treatment of conditions like peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and varicose veins.
- Dialysis Access Creation (AV Fistula/Graft) - by surgeons with this skill: Surgical creation of a durable access point in the arm for patients requiring long-term hemodialysis.
- Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency - select treatments: Aimed at symptom relief and preventing complications.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Azim Valji is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
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. Valji.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Valji practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with modern facilities designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are easily accessible from the clinic. The area is conveniently situated near Galaxyland and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. Parking is generally available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, making it convenient for patients and visitors alike. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Valji?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Valji 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. Valji will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Valji perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Valji 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. Valji whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Valji?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Valji doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Valji 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. Valji after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Valji do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Valji, 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 and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Valji provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Valji perform?
- As a General and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Valji 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. Valji's areas of focus within general surgery.
10240 Kingsway NW, CSC #415
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Clinic Phone: (780) 735-4583 | Clinic Fax: (780) 735-4245
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Valji is a licensed General and Thoracic Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Valji for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Valji's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=228a16ce-3d36-423f-970d-3e8fa39c7153&i=1481