About
Dr. David L. Bigam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Bigam David L Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Edmonton, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). With a focus on delivering personalized, high-quality care, Dr. Bigam provides expert surgical management for a variety of conditions, emphasizing patient safety, comfort, and recovery. His approach combines modern surgical techniques with compassionate patient-centered care, ensuring that each individual receives thorough consultation, precise treatment, and attentive post-operative follow-up.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 1991 and is board-certified as a General Surgeon. Dr. Bigam holds key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These credentials reflect his dedicated pursuit of excellence and ongoing commitment to professional development in surgical practice.
Dr. Bigam’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care within a collaborative environment. He prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and minimal scarring. Committed to ongoing learning and surgical innovation, he works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. His dedication to surgical excellence aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients in Edmonton. All consultations and surgical care are provided in English, with a focus on compassionate, respectful service.
Dr. David Bigam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Bigam addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Bigam addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- 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).
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
- 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 Bigam is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- 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.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
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. Bigam.
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. Bigam primarily practices at his clinic, Bigam David L Dr, located in Edmonton's S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within the city. The clinic is situated near the Old Strathcona Historic Area, offering convenient access via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facilities at both the clinic and hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Ample parking is usually available at or near the clinic and hospital locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to providing optimal care for consultations and follow-up surgical needs.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Bigam perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Bigam 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. Bigam's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Bigam?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Bigam 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.
- Does Dr. Bigam perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Bigam 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. Bigam whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Bigam?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Bigam doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Bigam 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. Bigam after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Bigam ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Bigam 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. Bigam 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Bigam do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Bigam, 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. Bigam provides comprehensive surgical management.
Bigam David L Dr
1 University Campus NO
Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1
Clinic Phone: (780) 407-1466 | Clinic Fax: (780) 407-1773
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Bigam 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. Bigam for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Bigam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=4f9afdde-a34c-4fab-a51f-3995118092bd&i=179