Dr. Caitlin Tan Yeo – General Surgeon | Calgary, AB

Dr. Caitlin Tan Yeo is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She has a dedicated focus on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Yeo performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is patient-centered, emphasizing high-quality care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Yeo graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 2013. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Her credentials include specialty certification as a General Surgeon, ensuring a high standard of surgical expertise and adherence to Canadian medical standards.

Her professional philosophy is rooted in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. Dr. Yeo collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate surgical solutions for her patients in Calgary.

Dr. Caitlin Yeo provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Yeo addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
• 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.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.

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. Yeo.

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. Yeo's primary practice is located at a well-equipped surgical clinic situated in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, including Rockyview General Hospital, which is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can generally find convenient parking options near the practice, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The environment is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a modern, accessible setting.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Yeo 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.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Yeo is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Yeo 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Yeo do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Yeo ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Yeo, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Yeo perform?

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

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

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

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

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

1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Clinic Phone: (403) 944-0966

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

Dr. Yeo is a licensed General 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. Yeo for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Yeo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=5ef46de4-e5a3-4e1a-885f-6ecc28ab15a4&i=1592