About
Dr. Edward Chan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at UHN Toronto Western Hospital in Cambridge, ON, he performs surgical procedures at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. His 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 has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He and his team adhere strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients.
Dr. Chan graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 27 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1997, he has developed a reputation for surgical excellence and compassionate patient care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive clinical background includes managing a wide variety of surgical conditions, employing both traditional and minimally invasive techniques to optimize patient outcomes.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Chan emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development, he strives to offer the highest standard of surgical care for patients in Cambridge. Dr. Chan provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, dedicated to addressing each patient's unique needs with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Edward Chan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chan addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chan 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.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Edward Chan is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
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. Chan.
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. Chan's primary clinic is located at UHN Toronto Western Hospital in Cambridge's Preston Centre, Preston Heights neighborhood. The clinic serves as a dedicated space for initial consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up visits, providing a professional and patient-oriented environment. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical facilities. The location is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), with convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all patients. The practice is conveniently situated close to Preston Towne Centre, offering easy access for patients from the surrounding community. Patients can expect a welcoming environment focused on safety, quality care, and personalized attention.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Chan, 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. Chan provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Chan?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Chan is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Chan 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chan perform?
- Dr. Chan, 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. Chan may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Chan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chan 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. Chan whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Chan 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Chan ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Chan, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chan?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Chan doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Chan 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. Chan after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
UHN Toronto Western Hospital
Room 411N 2nd Floor MCL, 695 Coronation Boulevard
Cambridge, ON N1R 7J9
Clinic Phone: (519) 740-1625 | Clinic Fax: (519) 740-0115
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chan 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. Chan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Edward/0050991-64970