Dr. Brie Ann Banks – General Surgeon | Peterborough, ON

Dr. Brie Ann Banks is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Health Science North and performing surgeries at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Peterborough, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Banks has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her 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. Banks graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 10 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2014, she has developed a broad and refined skill set. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice aligns with Canadian standards of surgical excellence and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Banks emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Banks strives to deliver the highest standard of care for her patients in Peterborough. She provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English.

Dr. Brie Banks provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Banks addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Banks addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.

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. Banks.

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. Banks's primary clinic is located at Health Science North in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, which is conveniently situated nearby. Patients and visitors can access the hospital via Peterborough Transit and generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors. The practice is committed to providing accessible, patient-centered care in a modern setting, dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the Peterborough community.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Banks perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Banks 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. Banks's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Banks ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Banks, 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Banks do?

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

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Banks?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Banks 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.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Banks is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Banks will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

Health Science North
272 Charlotte St, Suite 302
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6

Clinic Phone: (705) 874-5222 | Clinic Fax: (705) 874-5224

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

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

Verify Dr. Banks's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Banks-Brie-Ann/0282971-99188