Dr. Brenden Edwin Quintin Van Der Westhuizen – General Surgeon | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Brenden Edwin Quintin Van Der Westhuizen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Kelowna and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Kelowna, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role involves 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. 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. Van Der Westhuizen graduated with a Medical Degree from Universiteit Van Stellenbosch in South Africa. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is licensed to practice in British Columbia under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He maintains active certification, including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring ongoing adherence to current standards of surgical excellence and patient safety.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Van Der Westhuizen emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management of complex cases. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, he strives for surgical excellence for patients in Kelowna. Additionally, he communicates effectively in Afrikaans and English, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population with compassion and understanding.

Dr. Brenden Van Der Westhuizen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Van Der Westhuizen 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.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Van Der Westhuizen addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.

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. Van Der Westhuizen.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Van Der Westhuizen practices at a dedicated surgical clinic located in the heart of Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown neighborhoods. His clinic is conveniently situated near Rutland Town Centre, offering easy access for patients via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can usually find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, to facilitate a smooth and stress-free visit.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Van Der Westhuizen?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Van Der Westhuizen doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Van Der Westhuizen 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. Van Der Westhuizen after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Westhuizen do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Van Der Westhuizen, 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. Van Der Westhuizen provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Van Der Westhuizen perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Van Der Westhuizen 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. Van Der Westhuizen's areas of focus within general surgery.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Westhuizen?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Westhuizen is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Van Der Westhuizen ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Van Der Westhuizen, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.

Does Dr. Van Der Westhuizen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Van Der Westhuizen 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. Van Der Westhuizen whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

3040 Tutt St Ste 203, 3040 Tutt Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 2H5

Clinic Phone: (250) 763-2226 | Clinic Fax: (250) 861-5937

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

Dr. Van Der Westhuizen is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Van Der Westhuizen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Van Der Westhuizen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/355809/Van%20Der%20Westhuizen%2CBrenden