About
Dr. Debbie Woo is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Hôpital de Lachine and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Lachine, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). She has a strong focus on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Woo performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her dedication to providing high-quality, patient-focused care extends from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to ensure optimal outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Woo holds a Medical Degree from a recognized and accredited institution. With over 13 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2011, she has completed extensive post-graduate training and maintains the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Quebec. Her professional credentials and ongoing commitment to surgical excellence ensure that her patients receive care that is both safe and effective.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Dr. Woo is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and minimal discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development to maintain surgical excellence. Dr. Woo provides consultations and surgical care in French, ensuring accessibility and comfort for her diverse patient base in Lachine.
Dr. Debbie Woo provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Woo addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Woo addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Debbie Woo is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
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. Woo.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Woo's primary clinic is located within the medical clinic in Lachine, situated near major healthcare facilities in the area. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes and offers convenient parking options, including accessible parking for patients. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The environment is professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented, providing a comfortable setting for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Lachine, ensuring comprehensive surgical services within a modern healthcare infrastructure.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Woo?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Woo is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Woo 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.
- Does Dr. Woo perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Woo 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. Woo would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Woo?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Woo 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. Woo will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Woo do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Woo, 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. Woo provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Woo perform?
- Dr. Woo, 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. Woo may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Woo ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Woo, 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.
Hôpital de Lachine
650 16e Avenue
Lachine, QC H8S 3N5
Clinic Phone: (514) 934-1934
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Woo is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Woo for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Woo's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=11485