Dr. Caolan Matthew John Walsh – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Caolan Matthew John Walsh is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Ottawa and performing surgeries at Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Walsh’s 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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Sherbrooke Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé in Canada. With over 8 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2016, he has developed a broad expertise in various surgical disciplines. Dr. Walsh is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.

Dr. Walsh’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He adopts a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making to ensure patients are fully informed about their treatment options. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Walsh also communicates effectively in French in addition to English to serve Ottawa’s diverse community.

Dr. Caolan Walsh provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Walsh 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.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.

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. Walsh.

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. Walsh practices primarily at a well-equipped surgical clinic located in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighborhood, with easy access to the Civic Hospital and Westboro East areas. The clinic is conveniently situated near Dow's Lake Pavilion, providing a scenic and accessible environment for consultations and follow-up visits. It is easily reachable via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes, with accessible parking options usually available nearby. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional, welcoming environment for all patients seeking surgical consultation and care.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Walsh 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Walsh?

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Walsh perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Walsh ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Walsh 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. Walsh 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.

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

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

Suite 208, 737 Parkdale Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 1J8

Clinic Phone: (613) 798-5555

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

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

Verify Dr. Walsh's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Walsh-Caolan-Matthew-John/0293578-102793