Dr. Christopher James Blewett – General Surgeon | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Christopher James Blewett is a skilled General Surgeon, practicing in St. Catharines, Ontario. He specializes in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments, providing high-quality care to his patients. His primary clinic is located at the St. Joseph's Care Group, situated in a medical clinic in the St. Catharines neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which is accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring convenient access for all.

He has earned his medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has over 25 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1999. Dr. Blewett is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 67464. His extensive training and certification underpin his commitment to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care.

Dr. Blewett’s professional philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care with a focus on safety, clear communication, and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Blewett dedicates himself to serving the community of St. Catharines with compassionate, high-quality surgical services. He provides consultations and surgical care in English, ensuring his patients are well-informed throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Christopher Blewett provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Blewett 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. Christopher Blewett is necessary.

• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).

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. Blewett.

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 surgical associations. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Blewett's primary practice is located at the St. Joseph's Care Group, situated within a well-equipped medical clinic in the vibrant neighborhood of St. Catharines. His clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities, making it accessible for patients from surrounding areas. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for patients and visitors. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, providing a welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art operating rooms. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated parking lots or in nearby public parking facilities, facilitating easy and stress-free access to care.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Blewett perform?

Dr. Blewett, 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. Blewett may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Blewett ever specialize further?

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Blewett 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Blewett?

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

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

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

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

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

St. Joseph's Care Group
1200 Fourth Ave, Department of Psychiatry
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9

Clinic Phone: (905) 401-2700

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

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

Verify Dr. Blewett's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Blewett-Christopher-James/0053499-67464