Dr. Carol Katherine Dingee – General Surgeon | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Carol Katherine Dingee is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Vancouver and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Vancouver, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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 approach is rooted in skilled and compassionate care, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused treatment from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Dingee graduated with an MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1981 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She also maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her professional credentials reflect her commitment to surgical excellence and continuous professional development, ensuring her patients receive evidence-based and safe surgical care.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care through a patient-centered approach. Dr. Dingee emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Dingee provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on personalized treatment and compassionate support for her patients in Vancouver.

Dr. Carol Dingee provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Dingee addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head 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. Carol Dingee is necessary.

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.

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. Dingee.

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. Dingee's primary practice is situated at a modern surgical clinic in Vancouver, located in the vibrant Mount Pleasant East neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment, providing space for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within Vancouver, ensuring access to comprehensive surgical facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic is conveniently accessible by TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront), making it easy for patients to reach for appointments and surgical care.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Dingee ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Dingee 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. Dingee has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Dingee 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Dingee do?

Dr. Dingee, 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Dingee perform?

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

3080 Prince Edward St, Mt St Joseph Hospital, Providence Breast Center 3rd floor
Vancouver, BC V5T 3N4

Clinic Phone: (604) 877-8511 | Clinic Fax: (604) 877-8506

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

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

Verify Dr. Dingee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/352286/Dingee%2CCarol