Dr. David Ian Robertson – General Surgeon | Kingston, ON

Dr. David Ian Robertson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at CAMH and performing surgeries at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, 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. Robertson 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 approach is skilled and compassionate, focusing on providing high-quality, patient-centered care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery. The surgical practice is dedicated to ensuring comfort, safety, and optimal outcomes for all patients through modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2009, Dr. Robertson has built a reputation for surgical excellence. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the rigorous standards of Canadian surgical practice.

Dr. Robertson is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. His goal is to deliver exceptional surgical care to the Kingston community, ensuring each patient receives personalized and compassionate treatment. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Robertson 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): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

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 Robertson is necessary.

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.

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. Robertson.

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. Robertson's primary clinic is located at the CAMH facility situated in Kingston's vibrant Downtown Kingston area, within the Queen's University neighborhood and the historic Sydenham Ward. The clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment for consultations, pre- and post-operative care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, a modern hospital equipped with advanced surgical suites and patient amenities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The location is easily accessible via Kingston Transit and is conveniently situated for residents and visitors in Kingston. The setting emphasizes a patient-oriented approach, ensuring personalized care in a professional environment.

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

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

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Robertson, 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Robertson do?

Dr. Robertson, 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. Robertson?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Robertson 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. Robertson will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Robertson 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. Robertson perform?

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

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

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

CAMH
76 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Clinic Phone: (613) 549-6666

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

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

Verify Dr. Robertson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Robertson-David-Ian/0200912-79274