About
Dr. Gilbert John Wankling is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Prince George and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Prince George, 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). Dr. Wankling 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 surgical 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.
He graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 1987 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Additionally, he maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His qualifications reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, ensuring that patients receive current and evidence-based care.
Dr. Wankling's professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional growth to serve the Prince George community with the highest standards of surgical excellence. All consultations and surgical care are provided in English, with a focus on compassionate and personalized service.
Dr. Gilbert Wankling provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Wankling addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Wankling addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Gilbert Wankling is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
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. Wankling.
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. Wankling's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Downtown Prince George, situated in the Central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre, easily accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). The clinic and affiliated hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients will find ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking, making visits convenient and stress-free for all.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Wankling?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Wankling 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Wankling ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Wankling, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Wankling?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Wankling is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Wankling 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.
- Does Dr. Wankling perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Wankling 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. Wankling would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Wankling perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Wankling is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Wankling's areas of focus within general surgery.
1624 7 Ave
Prince George, BC V2L 3P6
Clinic Phone: (250) 561-2700 | Clinic Fax: (250) 561-2794
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Wankling is a licensed General Surgeon 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. Wankling for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Wankling's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305609/Wankling%2CGilbert