Dr. Ekua Yorke – General Surgeon | Richmond, BC

Dr. Ekua Yorke is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Richmond and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Richmond, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The surgical 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.

Dr. Yorke graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2010 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development. Her certifications and training ensure she is well-equipped to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

Her professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and better outcomes. Dr. Yorke is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care to her patients in Richmond. She provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Ekua Yorke provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Yorke addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Yorke addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Ekua Yorke is necessary.

• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.

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. Yorke.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Yorke practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood of Richmond, BC. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgeries are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with modern surgical facilities. The practice location is easily accessible via Access to Highway 99, with public transportation options including TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients usually find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, ensuring a smooth and stress-free visit for all surgical needs.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Yorke perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Yorke 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. Yorke's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Yorke ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Yorke, 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Yorke do?

Dr. Yorke, 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.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Yorke?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Yorke 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. Yorke perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Yorke 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. Yorke would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Yorke?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Yorke doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Yorke 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. Yorke after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

250-6091 Gilbert Rd
Richmond, BC V7C 5L9

Clinic Phone: (604) 273-4447 | Clinic Fax: (604) 231-0583

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Yorke is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Yorke for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Yorke's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335054/Yorke%2CEkua