Dr. Caitlin Vanessa Cahill – General Surgeon | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Caitlin Vanessa Cahill is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Toronto General Hospital and performing surgeries at Health Sciences North Hospital in Sudbury, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based care for all patients. She 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. Cahill graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Canada). She has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and compassionate surgical care. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach to treatment. Dr. Cahill utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and minimal discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient's condition. Dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Sudbury, she also communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• 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. Cahill 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.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• 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. Caitlin Cahill is necessary.

• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• 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): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• 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. Cahill.

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. Cahill practices primarily at her clinic located in the Downtown Sudbury area, conveniently situated near Silver Hills Centre. The clinic offers easy access via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit), with accessible parking options nearby, including designated accessible parking. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The primary hospital for surgical procedures is Health Sciences North Hospital, located within a short distance, providing state-of-the-art surgical facilities and postoperative care. Patients can expect a dedicated, professional environment dedicated to high-quality, patient-centered care in a convenient and accessible setting.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Cahill 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.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Cahill 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. Cahill would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cahill ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cahill 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. Cahill has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cahill do?

Dr. Cahill, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cahill perform?

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

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

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

Toronto General Hospital
204-888 Regent St, Department of Psychiatry
Sudbury, ON P3E 6C6

Clinic Phone: (705) 586-0060

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

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

Verify Dr. Cahill's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cahill-Caitlin-Vanessa/0300144-105357