Dr. George Christakis – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. George Christakis is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Stratford General Hospital in Toronto, ON, he performs surgeries typically at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. His clinic is situated in Toronto’s Lawrence Park neighborhood, conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is designed to provide a professional, patient-centered environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots to facilitate easy access for all patients.

He has received his medical education from the University of Toronto, earning his Medical Degree in Canada. With over 37 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1987, Dr. Christakis is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive clinical background ensures a high standard of surgical care and a deep understanding of complex surgical conditions.

Dr. Christakis is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a compassionate approach. He emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. His professional philosophy centers on collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and maintaining ongoing professional development to uphold surgical excellence. He delivers surgical consultations and care primarily in English, dedicated to serving the Toronto community with the highest standards of patient-focused care.

Dr. George Christakis provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Christakis 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.
• 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.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Christakis addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.

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. Christakis.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. George Christakis practices primarily at Stratford General Hospital located in Toronto’s Lawrence Park neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a leading tertiary care hospital known for its specialized surgical services. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Gooderham Building (Flatiron), with easy access via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Ample parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots to ensure ease of access. The environment fosters professional and patient-oriented care, providing a welcoming setting for consultations and surgical follow-up. Patients can expect a high standard of care in a safe and accessible environment, emphasizing personalized attention from initial assessment through recovery.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Christakis perform?

Dr. Christakis, 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. Christakis may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Does Dr. Christakis perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

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

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Christakis 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. Christakis 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. Christakis ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Christakis 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. Christakis 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.

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Christakis 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. Christakis 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. Christakis?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Christakis 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Christakis do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Christakis, 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. Christakis provides comprehensive surgical management.

Stratford General Hospital
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Clinic Phone: (416) 480-6080 | Clinic Fax: (416) 480-6072

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

Dr. Christakis is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Christakis for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Christakis's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Christakis-George/0028671-33494