About
Dr. Dana Mihalicz is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Edmonton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Edmonton, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice aligns with the latest guidelines for patient safety and quality care. Dr. Mihalicz has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her 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. Mihalicz graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 2007. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta, including certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her certification process involves rigorous assessments and ongoing professional development to maintain her credentials and stay current with surgical advancements.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Dr. Mihalicz utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical trauma. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of complex conditions and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her dedication is to deliver the highest standard of care to her patients in Edmonton, offering surgical consultations and ongoing care in English.
Dr. Dana Mihalicz provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Mihalicz addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Mihalicz addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Dana Mihalicz is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- 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).
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
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. Mihalicz.
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. Mihalicz primarily practices at a dedicated surgical clinic located in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Edmonton’s Largest Mall in North America, with accessible transportation options via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific details may vary by facility, but the focus remains on ensuring a welcoming, accessible, and efficient experience for all patients.
- Does Dr. Mihalicz perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Mihalicz?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Mihalicz ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her 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. Mihalicz do?
- Dr. Mihalicz, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihalicz?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Mihalicz 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Mihalicz perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Mihalicz?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
302-11010 101 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9
Clinic Phone: (780) 424-3295 | Clinic Fax: (780) 426-2818
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Mihalicz 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. Mihalicz for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Mihalicz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3f1286f3-383d-4069-8acc-ef3dad70abfe&i=983