Dr. Claude Joseph Burul – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Claude Joseph Burul is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre and performing surgeries at Sinai Health System Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Burul adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost quality and safety. His focus is on providing thorough, compassionate care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques to optimize patient outcomes. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, fostering clear communication and shared decision-making to meet each patient's unique needs.

He obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has accumulated over 47 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1977. Dr. Burul is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in surgical care. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and surgical excellence, ensuring that his patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Dr. Burul’s professional philosophy is rooted in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He believes in a patient-centered approach, ensuring that patients are fully informed and actively involved in their treatment decisions. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical risks. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of complex conditions. Additionally, Dr. Burul is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical innovation. He also communicates effectively in Italian, in addition to English, to serve Toronto’s diverse patient population with compassion and clarity.

Dr. Claude Burul provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Burul addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Burul addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.

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. Burul.

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. Burul's primary clinic is located at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, situated in Toronto's Parkdale and Roncesvalles neighbourhoods. The clinic is easily accessible via public transportation, including TTC options such as subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating theatres. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots for those with mobility needs.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Burul do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Burul 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Burul perform?

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

Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
Room B 608, 30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON M6R 1B5

Clinic Phone: (416) 530-6000

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

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

Verify Dr. Burul's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Burul-Claude-Joseph/0020802-25590