Dr. David Ross Garbutt Brown is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in North Vancouver and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in North Vancouver, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Brown adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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. The surgical 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. Brown graduated with his MD from McMaster University in 1988 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has obtained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.
His professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Brown is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recoveries and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Brown strives to deliver exceptional surgical care to residents of North Vancouver. He provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, ensuring accessible and compassionate service.
Dr. David Brown provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Brown addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Brown addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
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 Brown is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- 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.
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. Brown.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Brown's primary clinic is located at a reputable surgical clinic in North Vancouver, providing a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated within North Vancouver's medical district, close to major healthcare facilities, with easy access via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a dedicated, professional environment with accessible parking options nearby, including designated accessible parking. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring high standards of safety and care. The location offers a convenient, patient-centered setting for comprehensive surgical services and ongoing support.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Brown?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Brown doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Brown 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. Brown after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Brown?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Brown 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. Brown perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Brown 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. Brown would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Brown?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Brown 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. Brown will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Brown do?
- Dr. Brown, 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Brown ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Brown, 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.
231 East 15th St, Lions Gate Hospital, Medical Admin
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7
Clinic Phone: (604) 984-3860 | Clinic Fax: (604) 984-3747
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Brown is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Brown for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Brown's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305660/Brown%2CDavid