Dr. Christine Desbiens – General Surgeon | Québec, QC

Dr. Christine Desbiens is a skilled General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the CHU de Québec Hôpital Saint-Sacrement and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Québec City, 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 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 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. Desbiens holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 13 years of experience as a General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus) since 2011. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Québec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), license number 93407. Her professional development is ongoing, ensuring she remains current with advances in surgical techniques and best practices.

Her professional philosophy is rooted in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Desbiens utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and minimal discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing surgical excellence. She provides consultations and surgical care in French, dedicated to serving the Québec City community with skilled and compassionate care.

Dr. Christine Desbiens provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Thoracic Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Thoracic Subspecialty)

Dr. Desbiens addresses addressing diseases of the chest organs, primarily the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum, often managed by general surgeons with thoracic interest or specialized thoracic surgeons.

• Lung Cancer (select early-stage resections): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment.
• Esophageal Diseases (e.g., GERD requiring surgery, Achalasia, Esophageal Cancer - select cases): Surgical management of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (e.g., fundoplication), motility disorders like achalasia, or early-stage esophageal cancers.

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• 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. Desbiens.

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. Desbiens's primary clinic is located at the CHU de Québec Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, situated in the Sillery and Montcalm neighbourhoods of Québec City, QC. The clinic is conveniently accessible and is situated near the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Patients and visitors can easily access the facility via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) bus network. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Desbiens is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Desbiens 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Desbiens do?

Dr. Desbiens, a General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Desbiens perform?

Dr. Desbiens, a General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), 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. Desbiens may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Desbiens 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.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Desbiens 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. Desbiens would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

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

CHU de Québec Hôpital Saint-Sacrement
1050 ch Sainte-Foy
Québec City, QC G1S 4L8

Clinic Phone: (418) 682-7511

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

Dr. Desbiens is a licensed General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus) 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. Desbiens for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).

Verify Dr. Desbiens's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93407