Dr. Barbara Haas – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Barbara Haas is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at LHSC Victoria Campus Site in Toronto, ON, she performs surgeries at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, ensuring high-quality care in a reputable hospital environment. Her practice is dedicated to providing patient-centered, safe, and effective surgical care, adhering strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Haas performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, modern surgical techniques, and personalized care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery.

Dr. Haas graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification underscore her commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Guided by a professional philosophy centered on safety, effectiveness, and evidence-based practice, Dr. Haas is dedicated to delivering high-quality surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the utilization of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and better outcomes. Fluent in English, Czech, and French, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population. Her commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning ensures that her patients receive comprehensive, compassionate, and state-of-the-art surgical management in Toronto.

Dr. Barbara Haas provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• 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. Haas addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Barbara Haas is necessary.

• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• 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.

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. Haas.

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. Haas's primary clinic is located at the LHSC Victoria Campus Site in Toronto's Lawrence Park neighbourhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up care, with easy access for patients. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a leading Toronto hospital known for its comprehensive surgical facilities. The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible, designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, and can easily reach the clinic via TTC services such as the subway, streetcar, and bus. The clinic's location near St. Lawrence Market and other downtown amenities makes it accessible for patients across Toronto seeking expert surgical care.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Haas do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Haas, 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. Haas provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Haas 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. Haas will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Haas 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. Haas whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Haas perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Haas ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Haas 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. Haas has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Haas 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. Haas?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Haas 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. Haas will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

LHSC Victoria Campus Site
E1 112, 2075 Bayview Ave, Department of Emergency Medicine
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Clinic Phone: (416) 480-5255 | Clinic Fax: (416) 480-5499

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

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

Verify Dr. Haas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Haas-Barbara/0232618-84466