Dr. Dario Francesco Del Rizzo – General Surgeon | Woodbridge, ON

Dr. Dario Francesco Rizzo is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Sports Medicine Clinic in Woodbridge and performing surgical procedures at Humber River Hospital, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. His practice is dedicated to the diagnosis and management of various surgical conditions, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Dr. Rizzo's approach combines clinical excellence with compassion, ensuring each patient feels supported from initial consultation through post-operative recovery. The clinic and hospital facilities are equipped to offer a comfortable and private environment, with accessible parking and wheelchair-friendly amenities, fostering a professional and welcoming setting for all patients.

He holds a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 34 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1990. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Rizzo maintains the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety. His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains at the forefront of surgical techniques and innovations, providing his patients with the best possible care.

Dr. Rizzo’s professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He values clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in both English and Italian, Dr. Rizzo is dedicated to serving a diverse patient population in Woodbridge, always striving for surgical excellence and compassionate care.

Dr. Dario Rizzo provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Rizzo 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): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Rizzo addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Rizzo.

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. Rizzo's primary clinic is located at the Sports Medicine Clinic in Woodbridge, a well-equipped medical facility in the neighborhood that offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities and is accessible via multiple local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a clean, modern setting with friendly staff. Parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking spaces, providing ease of access for all patients. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Humber River Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in the region, ensuring top-tier surgical and post-operative care. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, supporting safe and efficient surgical interventions in a comfortable environment.

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

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

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Rizzo 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. Rizzo will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Rizzo ever specialize further?

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Rizzo perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Rizzo 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. Rizzo do?

Dr. Rizzo, 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.

Sports Medicine Clinic
8333 Weston Road
Woodbridge, ON L4L 8E2

Clinic Phone: (905) 264-5977 | Clinic Fax: (905) 264-9686

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

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

Verify Dr. Rizzo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Del-Rizzo-Dario-Francesco/0036444-50420