Dr. Catherine Adell O’Brien – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Catherine Adell O'Brien is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Southlake Regional Health Centre and performing surgeries at University Health Network Hospital in Toronto, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role involves 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. Dr. O'Brien's 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.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 21 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2003. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her qualifications meet rigorous professional standards. Her extensive experience supports her commitment to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care.

Dr. O'Brien's professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, she provides surgical consultations and care in English to patients in Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Catherine O'Brien provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. O'Brien addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• 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. O'Brien addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• 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).
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.

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. O'Brien.

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. O'Brien practices primarily at the Southlake Regional Health Centre, located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The surgical procedures are typically performed at the University Health Network Hospital, a leading facility known for its comprehensive surgical services. The clinic is conveniently situated near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs.

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

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

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. O'Brien?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. O'Brien 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. O'Brien ever specialize further?

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

Does Dr. O'Brien perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. O'Brien?

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

Southlake Regional Health Centre
200 Elizabeth street, Department Anesthesiology
Toronto, ON M5G 1L5

Clinic Phone: (416) 340-4800

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

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

Verify Dr. O'Brien's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/OBrien-Catherine-Adell/0150196-72456