Dr. Gavin Howard Kent Tansley is a skilled General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in North Vancouver and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in North Vancouver, 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, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia, obtained in 2012, and maintains specialty certification as a General Surgeon with a focus on Critical Care. His certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Tansley's professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote rapid recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His commitment to surgical excellence ensures that patients in North Vancouver receive the highest level of care. Dr. Tansley provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Gavin Tansley provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Thoracic Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Thoracic Subspecialty)
Dr. Tansley addresses surgical treatment for lung cancer, esophageal diseases, and other conditions within the chest cavity.
- Lung Cancer (select early-stage resections): Surgical removal of localized lung tumors, such as lobectomy or wedge resection.
- Esophageal Diseases (e.g., GERD requiring surgery, Achalasia, Esophageal Cancer - select cases): Complex procedures often requiring specialized thoracic or upper GI surgical expertise.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Tansley addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- 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. Gavin Tansley is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- 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).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
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. Tansley.
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. Tansley's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in North Vancouver, situated in a medical neighborhood accessible to major healthcare facilities. The clinic is conveniently reachable via local public transit routes and offers accessible facilities designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated hospitals nearby, which provide state-of-the-art operating rooms and postoperative care units. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The environment at both locations is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to patient-centered care, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation through follow-up and recovery. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to meet the needs of all patients, emphasizing safety, comfort, and confidentiality.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Tansley?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Tansley 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. Tansley will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Tansley perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Tansley 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. Tansley whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Tansley perform?
- Dr. Tansley, a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), 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. Tansley may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Tansley?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Tansley doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Tansley 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. Tansley after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Tansley do?
- Dr. Tansley, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Tansley?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Tansley 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.
2312 15th St E
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7
Clinic Phone: (902) 495-7436
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Tansley 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. Tansley for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Tansley's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333784/Tansley%2CGavin