Dr. Carolyn Nessim – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Carolyn Nessim is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Lake of the Woods District Hospital and performing surgeries at Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, 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). 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. The surgical 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. Nessim graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2009, she has developed a deep commitment to surgical excellence. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice aligns with the rigorous standards and ongoing professional development mandated by the college.

Her professional philosophy revolves around providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Nessim utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence for her patients in Ottawa. Additionally, she is fluent in French and English, enabling her to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population, ensuring comfort and understanding at every stage of care.

Dr. Carolyn Nessim provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Nessim 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): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
• 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.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.

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

• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.

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. Nessim.

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. Nessim primarily practices at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital located in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. Her surgical procedures are typically performed at Ottawa Hospital, a leading medical facility in the region. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice is conveniently situated near Westgate Shopping Centre, with easy access via OC Transpo (including O-Train LRT and bus services). Ample parking options are available nearby, including accessible parking. The environment fosters a professional and patient-oriented experience for consultations, pre-surgical assessments, and follow-up care, ensuring that patient needs are prioritized in a modern, welcoming setting.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Nessim do?

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

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Nessim ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Nessim, 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.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Nessim 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Nessim perform?

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

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

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

Lake of the Woods District Hospital
501 Smyth Road, Department of Psychiatry
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Clinic Phone: (613) 737-8899 | Clinic Fax: (613) 737-8659

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

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

Verify Dr. Nessim's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Nessim-Carolyn/0267789-94038