About
Dr. Franco Leoni is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a prominent medical clinic in Camrose, AB, he performs surgeries at affiliated local hospitals, ensuring patients receive timely and expert care. His primary clinic is located at St. Mary's Hospital, situated in Camrose's medical neighborhood, which is easily accessible 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. Dr. Leoni's practice is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered surgical services with a focus on safety, efficacy, and compassionate care. He employs modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, to optimize recovery and outcomes for his patients.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Italy in 1973 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His credentials include certifications such as the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery, reflecting his dedication to maintaining high standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Leoni’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach by ensuring clear communication, shared decision-making, and tailored treatment plans. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and reduce discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of each patient’s condition. His dedication to ongoing education and surgical excellence, combined with his ability to communicate effectively in English, French, and Italian, allows him to serve a diverse patient population in Camrose with compassion and professionalism.
Dr. Franco Leoni provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Leoni 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.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Leoni addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Franco Leoni is necessary.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
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. Leoni.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Leoni's primary practice is located within a well-equipped medical clinic in Camrose, AB, adjacent to St. Mary's Hospital. The clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, surgical assessments, and follow-up care. The hospital facilities where surgeries are performed are equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring safe and efficient surgical procedures for all patients.
- Does Dr. Leoni perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Leoni 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. Leoni would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Leoni do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Leoni, 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. Leoni provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Leoni perform?
- Dr. Leoni, 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. Leoni may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Leoni?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Leoni 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. Leoni 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. Leoni?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Leoni 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. Leoni 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. Leoni ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Leoni 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. Leoni has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Leoni?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Leoni 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.
St. Mary's Hospital
6601 48 Ave, 1
Camrose, AB T4V 3G8
Clinic Phone: (780) 672-2423 | Clinic Fax: (780) 679-2640
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Leoni is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Leoni for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Leoni's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=28ddeb02-fd60-4f69-b543-1d21a363bc99&i=850