About
Dr. Catherine Cliche is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Hôpital de Val-D'Or and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Val-d'Or, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). She has a strong focus on providing safe, effective, and personalized surgical care, ensuring that each patient receives thorough evaluation and tailored treatment strategies. Dr. Cliche's approach emphasizes patient comfort, safety, and optimal outcomes through the use of modern surgical techniques and a collaborative care model.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized Canadian or international medical institution and has accumulated over 4 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2020. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and maintains all necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including her license from the Collège des médecins du Québec (license number 20805). Her credentials reflect her commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence.
Dr. Cliche is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients' conditions. Fluent in French, she offers consultations and surgical care tailored to her patients' needs in Val-d'Or and the surrounding community.
Dr. Catherine Cliche provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cliche 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.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
- 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. Cliche addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
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 Cliche is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
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. Cliche.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Cliche practices primarily at the Hôpital de Val-D'Or, located in a well-equipped medical facility within the Val-d'Or neighborhood. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are situated near major healthcare centers, easily accessible via local public transit routes. The environment is designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and treatment spaces. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The practice offers a professional, welcoming setting for consultations, diagnostic assessments, and follow-up surgical care. Patients benefit from a dedicated team committed to high-quality, personalized healthcare in a convenient and accessible location.
- Does Dr. Cliche perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Cliche 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. Cliche would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cliche perform?
- Dr. Cliche, 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. Cliche may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cliche do?
- Dr. Cliche, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cliche?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Cliche 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. Cliche?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Cliche doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Cliche 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. Cliche after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cliche?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Cliche is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Cliche will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cliche ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cliche 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. Cliche 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.
Hôpital de Val-D'Or
725 6e Rue
Val-d'Or, QC J9P 3Y1
Clinic Phone: (819) 825-5858
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cliche is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Cliche for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Cliche's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20805