Dr. Christopher Paul Armstrong – General Surgeon | Calgary, AB

Dr. Christopher Paul Armstrong is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Christopher Armstrong Clinic Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective patient care. He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Armstrong performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is patient-centered, prioritizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and tailored treatment plans to meet individual needs.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 1977 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His professional credentials include certifications such as the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These qualifications reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Armstrong’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives thorough explanations of their condition and treatment options. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to promote quicker recovery and minimal discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management and continuously seeks to enhance his surgical skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients in Calgary. Dr. Armstrong provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, maintaining a compassionate and approachable manner throughout the patient journey.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Armstrong addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

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 Armstrong is necessary.

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.

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. Armstrong.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Armstrong practices primarily at the Christopher Armstrong Clinic Calgary, located in the SW neighbourhoods of Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within Calgary, providing access to modern operating rooms and support services. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near North Hill Centre, with easy access via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice is committed to providing a seamless, accessible experience for consultations, follow-up care, and surgical procedures, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and comprehensive care in a comfortable setting.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Armstrong perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Armstrong do?

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

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

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

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Armstrong doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Armstrong 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. Armstrong after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Armstrong 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. Armstrong ever specialize further?

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

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

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

Christopher Armstrong Clinic Calgary
7007 14 St SW
Calgary, AB T2V 1P9

Clinic Phone: (403) 943-3000 | Clinic Fax: (403) 560-1515

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

Dr. Armstrong is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Armstrong for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Armstrong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=4b225070-0bbd-466a-93b8-050c451aa12c&i=101