Dr. Elaine Ming-Yu Lam – General Surgeon | Victoria, BC

Dr. Elaine Ming-Yu Lam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Victoria and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Victoria, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her practice focuses on 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. Dr. Lam's approach is patient-centered, emphasizing safety, effective communication, and evidence-based care. Her practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive surgical care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

She holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia (2008) and is certified as a General Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her certifications include the necessary specialty credentials to practice independently and provide expert surgical care in her field.

Dr. Lam is committed to delivering safe, effective, and individualized surgical solutions. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients’ health needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, she strives to offer the best possible outcomes for her patients in Victoria. Dr. Lam provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring her patients receive thorough and compassionate service.

Dr. Elaine Lam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Lam addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Lam addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

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

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.

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. Lam.

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. Lam's primary clinic is located in a surgical clinic in Victoria, situated in the Fairfield East and Oaklands neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, patient-focused environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are generally performed at affiliated local hospitals in Victoria, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find convenient parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The location is easily accessible via the Access to Saanich/Highway and is well connected by the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for patients traveling from various parts of Victoria and surrounding areas.

Does Dr. Lam perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

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

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Lam?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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. Lam?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Lam ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Lam 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. Lam has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Lam perform?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Lam 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. Lam do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Lam, 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. Lam provides comprehensive surgical management.

302-2020 Richmond Rd
Victoria, BC V8R 6R5

Clinic Phone: (250) 592-4313

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

Dr. Lam 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. Lam for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Lam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330982/Lam%2CElaine