About
Dr. Duckens Saint-Vil is a specialized Pediatric General Surgeon, dedicated to the surgical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Hôpital Sainte-Justine and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Montréal, QC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective care for his young patients. His role encompasses managing a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired conditions requiring surgical intervention in young patients, including common procedures like hernia repair and appendectomy, as well as more complex neonatal and pediatric oncological surgeries. A family-centered approach is central to Dr. Saint-Vil's practice, fostering a supportive and compassionate environment for both children and their families.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 13 years of experience as a Pediatric General Surgeon since 2011. Throughout his career, he has completed extensive post-graduate training and obtained the necessary certifications to practice Pediatric General Surgery in Quebec. His professional credentials reflect a commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development, ensuring that his practice remains at the forefront of pediatric surgical care.
Dr. Saint-Vil's philosophy is rooted in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence and family-centered care, Dr. Saint-Vil provides consultations and surgical treatments in French, ensuring accessible and culturally sensitive communication for his patients and their families.
Dr. Duckens Saint-Vil provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Common Pediatric Surgical Conditions (General Surgeon Scope)
Dr. Saint-Vil addresses surgical management of congenital anomalies and acquired conditions in the pediatric population.
- Pyloric Stenosis: Surgical correction (pyloromyotomy) of a condition in infants where the muscle between the stomach and small intestine thickens, preventing food from emptying out of the stomach.
- Undescended Testis (Orchiopexy): A common pediatric urological procedure often performed by pediatric general surgeons.
Vascular Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Vascular Subspecialty)
Dr. Saint-Vil addresses focusing on restoring blood flow, preventing complications like stroke or limb loss, and managing venous disorders.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - screening/referral/select repairs: Screening programs exist for at-risk populations.
- Carotid Artery Disease (Stenosis) - select cases/referral: May involve carotid endarterectomy (surgical plaque removal) or stenting.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Duckens Saint-Vil is necessary.
- Consultation for Pediatric Surgical Conditions: Family-centered discussion of surgical options, risks, and expected outcomes for young patients.
- Pediatric Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix in children with acute appendicitis.
- Management of Undescended Testes (Orchiopexy): Surgical procedure to bring an undescended testicle into the scrotum.
- Neonatal Surgery (for select conditions): Surgical care for newborns with congenital anomalies or conditions requiring early surgical intervention.
- Pediatric Hernia Repair (Inguinal, Umbilical): Surgical correction of hernias common in infants and children.
- Surgery for Pyloric Stenosis: Performed to allow normal feeding and growth.
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. Saint-Vil.
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. Saint-Vil practices primarily at Hôpital Sainte-Justine, located in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood. The clinic is situated in a modern, welcoming facility designed to provide a comfortable environment for children and families. The hospital is easily accessible via the Pont Jacques-Cartier Access and is well-served by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro and Bus routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The practice emphasizes professionalism and a family-centered approach, ensuring a supportive setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Saint-Vil perform?
- As a Pediatric General Surgeon, Dr. Saint-Vil 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. Saint-Vil's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Saint-Vil?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Saint-Vil doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Saint-Vil 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. Saint-Vil after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Saint-Vil?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Saint-Vil 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. Saint-Vil perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Saint-Vil 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. Saint-Vil would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Saint-Vil do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Saint-Vil, 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 Pediatric General Surgeon, Dr. Saint-Vil provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Saint-Vil?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Saint-Vil is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Saint-Vil 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.
Hôpital Sainte-Justine
3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C5
Clinic Phone: (514) 345-4931 | Clinic Fax: (514) 345-4964
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Saint-Vil is a licensed Pediatric 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. Saint-Vil for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Saint-Vil's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85395