About
Dr. David J. Callahan 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, 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 Alberta (CPSA). He has 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. Dr. Callahan's approach is centered on providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques within a collaborative and compassionate environment.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen’s University in 1982 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His credentials include certifications such as Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These qualifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Callahan’s professional philosophy emphasizes delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is dedicated to maintaining clear and open communication with his patients, ensuring shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to optimize recovery times and minimize surgical risks. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he provides comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. His dedication to surgical excellence ensures that patients in Edmonton receive compassionate, expert care in a supportive environment. Dr. Callahan offers surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, committed to patient understanding and comfort.
Dr. David Callahan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Callahan 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).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Callahan 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.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
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 Callahan is necessary.
- 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.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
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. Callahan.
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. Callahan practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located in the W Central: Crestwood, Parkview neighborhood of Edmonton. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within Edmonton, AB, ensuring access to comprehensive surgical facilities. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, with ample parking available in hospital-affiliated or nearby public parking lots. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in designated hospital lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Callahan ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Callahan?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Callahan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Callahan?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Callahan doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Callahan?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Callahan, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Callahan provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Callahan perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan's areas of focus within general surgery.
16940 87 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5R 4H5
Clinic Phone: (780) 735-2000
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Callahan 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. Callahan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Callahan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=6330897c-117b-4075-b204-20337018f74f&i=237