Dr. George Edward Harpur – General Surgeon | Niagara Falls, ON

Dr. George Edward Harpur is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at St. Mary's General Hospital and performing surgeries at Niagara Health System Hospital in Niagara Falls, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Harpur 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. His 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. Harpur earned his Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 1996, accumulating over 28 years of surgical experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical education.

His professional philosophy is centered on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Harpur emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making for all his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive management of complex conditions. Committed to surgical excellence, he continually updates his skills and knowledge to serve the Niagara Falls community with the highest standard of care. Dr. Harpur offers surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, dedicated to supporting his patients through every step of their surgical journey.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Harpur addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Harpur 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.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.

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 Harpur is necessary.

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.

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. Harpur.

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.

At his primary clinic located within St. Mary's General Hospital in Niagara Falls, Dr. Harpur offers comprehensive surgical consultations and pre-operative assessments in a professional and patient-oriented environment. The clinic is situated in the vibrant Clifton Hill Tourist Area, Fallsview Area, making it easily accessible from nearby hotels and motels. Patients can reach the clinic conveniently via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), and parking options are typically available nearby, including accessible parking. The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a welcoming setting for consultations, surgical planning, and follow-up care. The hospital's location provides seamless access to surgical procedures in well-equipped operating rooms, with a focus on safety and quality care. The practice emphasizes a professional, compassionate approach, ensuring that every patient receives personalized attention in a comfortable environment.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Harpur 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. Harpur would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Harpur do?

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

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Harpur 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. Harpur will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Harpur 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Harpur?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Harpur is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Harpur 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.

St. Mary's General Hospital
6453 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7H1

Clinic Phone: (905) 357-5333 | Clinic Fax: (905) 357-0668

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

Dr. Harpur 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. Harpur for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Harpur's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Harpur-George-Edward/0049690-63668