About
Dr. François Houle is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Hôpital de Gatineau - Gatineau and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Gatineau, QC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. He has a focus on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Houle performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is rooted in providing high-quality, compassionate care from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques within a collaborative environment.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 26 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1998. Dr. Houle has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Quebec. His credentials and commitment to ongoing professional development ensure he remains at the forefront of surgical advancements and best practices.
Dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Houle emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Fluent in French, Dr. Houle is committed to offering accessible, patient-centered care in Gatineau, ensuring each individual receives personalized attention and support throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. François Houle provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Houle addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- 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.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Houle addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. François Houle is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
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. Houle.
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. Houle’s primary clinic is located at Hôpital de Gatineau in Gatineau, situated in the Gatineau Sector East (Pointe-Gatineau, Le Baron) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Gatineau’s Commercial Corridor, with accessible public transportation options including Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and Rapibus BRT. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and surgical follow-up. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. Specific parking arrangements may vary depending on the facility, but accessibility is a priority to ensure ease of access for all patients.
- Does Dr. Houle perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Houle 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. Houle would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Houle?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Houle doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Houle 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. Houle after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Houle do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Houle, 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. Houle provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Houle perform?
- Dr. Houle, 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. Houle 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. Houle?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Houle is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Houle 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Houle ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Houle, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Houle?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Houle 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.
Hôpital de Gatineau - Gatineau
909 boul LaVerendrye
Gatineau, QC J8P 7H2
Clinic Phone: (819) 966-6100
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Houle 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. Houle for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Houle's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=98320