FRCSC - Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons Canada - General Surgery
Description
About Dr. Christopher Scott Armstrong
Dr. Christopher Scott 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). He has expertise in 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.
Dr. Armstrong graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2007. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains active medical licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 23018. He also holds certifications including LMCC and FRCSC (Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons Canada - General Surgery). His commitment to professional development ensures he stays current with the latest advancements in surgical care and techniques.
Dr. Armstrong’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. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to optimize recovery times and outcomes. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on delivering personalized and compassionate treatment to patients in Calgary.
Surgical Conditions Addressed by Dr. Christopher Armstrong
Dr. Christopher Armstrong provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Armstrong addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
- 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. Armstrong addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
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.
Surgical Services Offered by Dr. Christopher Scott Armstrong
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Armstrong's primary clinic, Christopher Armstrong Clinic Calgary, is located in the vibrant southwest Calgary neighborhoods of Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove. The clinic is situated conveniently near Telus Sky and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The facility offers a professional, welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with state-of-the-art operating rooms. Patients and visitors can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The environment is dedicated to providing a high standard of care, with a focus on patient safety, comfort, and effective communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Surgery
- Does Dr. Armstrong perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Armstrong 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. Armstrong whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Armstrong perform?
- Dr. Armstrong, 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. Armstrong may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Armstrong?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Armstrong 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.
Clinic & Licensing Information
Christopher Armstrong Clinic Calgary
1016 68 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2V 4J2
Clinic Phone: (587) 392-0370 | Clinic Fax: (587) 392-0375
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=eafb793e-3246-474f-aa60-05de30dee924&i=101