Dr. Cailan Alexander MacPherson – General Surgeon | Victoria, BC

Dr. Cailan Alexander MacPherson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Victoria and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Victoria, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. MacPherson has extensive expertise in 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. His approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care — from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery — utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to ensure optimal outcomes.

Dr. MacPherson graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2008. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains at the forefront of surgical advancements, delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based care to his patients in Victoria.

His professional philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. MacPherson is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less post-surgical discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive management of complex conditions and is committed to ongoing surgical excellence and professional growth. Dr. MacPherson provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, with a focus on compassionate, individualized treatment for all his patients.

Dr. Cailan MacPherson provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. MacPherson addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. MacPherson addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.

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

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.

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. MacPherson.

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. MacPherson practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighbourhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within Victoria. The clinic is conveniently accessible, situated near Downtown Core, and well-connected by the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility and hospital environments are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing safety, privacy, and personalized treatment.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. MacPherson do?

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. MacPherson 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 General Surgeons like Dr. MacPherson ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. MacPherson 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. MacPherson 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. MacPherson perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. MacPherson to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. MacPherson would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. MacPherson perform?

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

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

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

302-2020 Richmond Rd, Surgical Consultants
Victoria, BC V8R 6R5

Clinic Phone: (250) 592-4313

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

Dr. MacPherson 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. MacPherson for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. MacPherson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330999/MacPherson%2CCailan