Dr. David Edward Smith – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. David Edward Smith is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Toronto and performing surgeries at North York General Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He strictly adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Smith 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, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Smith graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. With over 24 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2000, he has honed his skills in a variety of surgical procedures. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring he maintains the highest standards of professional competence and ethical practice.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Smith emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with every patient. He is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce complications. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and engaging in ongoing professional development, Dr. Smith strives for surgical excellence to serve the Toronto community. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.

Dr. David Smith provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• 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): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• 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. Smith.

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. Smith practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Toronto, including Fairview, Henry Farm, and Oriole. His clinic is situated conveniently near Ontario Place, easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at North York General Hospital, a well-equipped facility in Toronto. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up surgical care. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots for patients with mobility needs.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Smith ever specialize further?

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

Dr. Smith, 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. Smith may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Smith do?

Dr. Smith, 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.

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Smith 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Smith?

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

Suite 435, 1333 Sheppard Avenue East
Toronto, ON M2J 1V1

Clinic Phone: (416) 498-8458 | Clinic Fax: (416) 498-9972

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

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

Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Smith-David-Edward/0056567-68155