Dr. Erik Robert James Saettler – General Surgeon | Duncan, BC

Dr. Erik Robert James Saettler is a skilled General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Duncan and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Duncan, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He 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. Saettler graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 2001 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus). He holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical education.

His professional philosophy is centered on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Saettler emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recoveries and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Saettler is dedicated to offering exceptional surgical care for residents of Duncan. He provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English.

Dr. Erik Saettler provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions (Benign and Malignant)

Dr. Saettler addresses procedures aimed at both diagnosis (biopsy) and treatment (removal) of concerning skin and subcutaneous lesions.

• Pilonidal Disease: Procedures to resolve infection and prevent recurrence.
• Abscesses and Soft Tissue Infections (requiring drainage): Surgical management of certain soft tissue infections to remove infected material and promote healing.
• Benign Skin Lesions (e.g., Cysts, Lipomas, Moles/Nevi): Procedures are often minor and performed under local anesthesia.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Saettler addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• 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.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

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. Saettler.

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. Saettler's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Duncan, situated within a reputable medical facility in the Duncan neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from major healthcare facilities and is reachable via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all. This setting fosters a welcoming and efficient environment for patients seeking expert surgical care.

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Saettler 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. Saettler will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

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

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Saettler do?

Dr. Saettler, a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Saettler perform?

As a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), Dr. Saettler 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. Saettler's areas of focus within general surgery.

3106 Gibbins Rd
Duncan, BC V9L 1E8

Clinic Phone: (250) 737-1020 | Clinic Fax: (250) 737-1022

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

Dr. Saettler is a licensed General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus) 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. Saettler for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Saettler's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328765/Saettler%2CErik