About
Dr. Donald Alan Sawula is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Toronto General Hospital and performing surgeries at Niagara Health System Hospital in St. Catharines, 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). 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. Sawula’s 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.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has over 35 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1989. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification reflect his commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development, allowing him to deliver safe and effective surgical care.
Dr. Sawula’s professional philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he provides comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. His dedication to surgical excellence in St. Catharines is evident in his compassionate care, ongoing education, and focus on achieving optimal outcomes for his patients. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Donald Sawula provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Sawula addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Sawula addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Donald Sawula is necessary.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
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. Sawula.
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. Sawula's primary clinic is located at The Toronto General Hospital in the vibrant St. Catharines neighborhood. The clinic is situated within close proximity to major healthcare facilities, ensuring seamless access to comprehensive medical services. Patients can easily reach the clinic via local public transit routes, and parking is generally available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. This setting provides a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing a patient-oriented approach to healthcare delivery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sawula?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Sawula is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Sawula 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Sawula do?
- Dr. Sawula, 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.
- Does Dr. Sawula perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Sawula 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. Sawula whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Sawula?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Sawula if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Sawula?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Sawula 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. Sawula will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Sawula ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Sawula, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sawula perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Sawula 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. Sawula's areas of focus within general surgery.
The Toronto General Hospital
300G Fourth Ave, Division Of Endocrinology
St Catharines, ON L2S 0E6
Clinic Phone: (289) 606-1333 | Clinic Fax: (289) 606-1331
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Sawula 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. Sawula for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Sawula's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sawula-Donald-Alan/0048025-62003