About
Dr. Douglas Lawrence Wooster is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Etobicoke, ON, he performs surgeries at Sinai Health System Hospital. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, adhering to the 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. The practice emphasizes a collaborative approach, modern surgical techniques, and comprehensive patient care from consultation through post-operative recovery.
Dr. Wooster graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 45 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1979, he has developed a deep expertise in surgical care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice meets the highest professional standards. His extensive experience enables him to handle a wide variety of surgical conditions with confidence and precision.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Wooster is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and minimal discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of each patient's condition. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Wooster aims to deliver optimal outcomes for his patients in Etobicoke. He provides consultations and surgical care in English, fostering a welcoming and informative environment.
Dr. Douglas Wooster provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Wooster addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Wooster addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Douglas Wooster is necessary.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
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. Wooster.
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. Wooster's primary clinic is located within a reputable medical clinic in Etobicoke, providing a professional and accessible environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which is conveniently situated to serve patients in the Etobicoke area. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The location offers easy access via local public transit routes, with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic, including designated accessible spots. The practice ensures a welcoming, efficient, and patient-oriented setting for all surgical needs.
- Does Dr. Wooster perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Wooster 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. Wooster whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Wooster perform?
- Dr. Wooster, 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. Wooster may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Wooster?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Wooster 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Wooster do?
- Dr. Wooster, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Wooster?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Wooster 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. Wooster will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Wooster?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Wooster 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. Wooster 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. Wooster ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Wooster 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. Wooster 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.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Room 806, 3280 Bloor St W
Etobicoke, ON M8X 2X3
Clinic Phone: (416) 516-4399 | Clinic Fax: (416) 516-1704
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Wooster 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. Wooster for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Wooster's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wooster-Douglas-Lawrence/0025963-30786