Dr. Elizabeth Rae Berg Thompson – General Surgeon | Comox, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Rae Berg Thompson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Comox and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Comox, 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 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. Thompson graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 2010. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of surgical advancements, providing her patients with safe and effective care rooted in current best practices.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Dr. Thompson is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recoveries and less post-operative discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her dedication is focused on delivering compassionate, personalized surgical care to the community of Comox. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Elizabeth Thompson provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.

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

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.

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. Thompson.

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. Thompson's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Comox, situated within a medical complex in the heart of the Comox neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with modern surgical facilities. The location is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking available at or near the hospital and clinic, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients can expect a dedicated, patient-focused environment, ensuring comprehensive care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific details may vary depending on the facility.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Thompson 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Thompson do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Thompson ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Thompson, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Thompson?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Thompson is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Thompson 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. Thompson perform?

Dr. Thompson, 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. Thompson may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Thompson 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. Thompson will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Thompson 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. Thompson whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

302-1757 Beaufort Ave
Comox, BC V9M 1R8

Clinic Phone: (250) 890-0632 | Clinic Fax: (250) 890-0637

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

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

Verify Dr. Thompson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335377/Thompson%2CElizabeth