Dr. Craig David Durant – General Surgeon | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Craig David Durant is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at North York General Hospital and performing surgeries at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital in St Catharines, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Durant has extensive 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, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Durant graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013, he has developed a broad and refined surgical skill set. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing competency in surgical practice.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Durant is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of each patient’s condition. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Durant strives to deliver the highest standard of care for patients in St. Catharines. He provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, fostering a reassuring and supportive environment for his patients.

Dr. Craig Durant provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).

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. Durant.

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. Durant's primary clinic is situated within a medical clinic in St. Catharines' neighborhood, providing accessible and convenient consultation spaces. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, a leading facility equipped for a wide range of surgical interventions. The clinic and hospital are located near major healthcare facilities and are easily accessible via local public transit routes. Both facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The environment is professional, welcoming, and focused on delivering high-quality care, ensuring a smooth experience from initial consultation through to follow-up care.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Durant perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Durant 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Durant do?

Dr. Durant, a General Surgeon, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Durant?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Durant is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Durant 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Durant ever specialize further?

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

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

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

North York General Hospital
Room 375, 296 Welland Ave, Department of Palliative Care
St Catharines, ON L2R 7L9

Clinic Phone: (905) 984-6402 | Clinic Fax: (905) 228-0822

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

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

Verify Dr. Durant's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Durant-Craig-David/0250126-89081