About
Dr. Emilie Gagnon is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Hôpital de Chicoutimi and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Chicoutimi, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). 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. Her approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques within a collaborative environment.
Dr. Gagnon holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2013, accumulating over 11 years of experience. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 13512. Her professional development is ongoing, ensuring she remains current with the latest advances in surgical care and techniques.
Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Gagnon emphasizes a patient-centered approach. She values clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she aims to deliver comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Chicoutimi, Dr. Gagnon offers consultations and surgical care in French, ensuring accessibility and comfort for her patients.
Dr. Emilie Gagnon provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Gagnon addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Gagnon 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).
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Emilie Gagnon is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
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. Gagnon.
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. Gagnon practices primarily at a medical clinic in Chicoutimi neighborhood, conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities in the city. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The location is accessible via local public transit routes, with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic, including designated accessible spots. The environment fosters a professional and patient-oriented experience for consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless and comfortable process for all patients.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Gagnon?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Gagnon ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she 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. Gagnon perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Gagnon?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Gagnon is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Gagnon 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.
- Does Dr. Gagnon perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagnon do?
- Dr. Gagnon, 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. Gagnon?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Gagnon 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.
Hôpital de Chicoutimi
305 rue Saint-Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6
Clinic Phone: (418) 541-1000
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Gagnon is a licensed 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. Gagnon for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Gagnon's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=13512