Dr. Christian John Finley – General Surgeon | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Christian John Finley is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Hamilton and performing surgeries at Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital in Hamilton, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Finley adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patient safety and quality of care are his top priorities. His 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. His 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 the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon for over 16 years since 2008. Dr. Finley is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive experience and continuous professional development enable him to deliver exceptional surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Finley's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of complex cases and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Finley is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of surgical care to the Hamilton community, communicating effectively in English and fostering a respectful, compassionate environment for all patients.

Dr. Christian Finley provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• 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. Christian Finley is necessary.

• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).

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. Finley.

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. Finley's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Hamilton GO Centre, with accessible transit options via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility provides a professional, patient-oriented environment designed for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Surgeries are typically performed at the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and patient amenities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation to postoperative recovery.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Finley perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Finley do?

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

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

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

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Finley ever specialize further?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Finley 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. Finley?

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

50 Charlton Ave East, Rm T2105H
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Clinic Phone: (905) 522-1155

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

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

Verify Dr. Finley's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Finley-Christian-John/0238896-85803