Dr. Glenna Lorenza Cuccarolo – General Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Glenna Lorenza Cuccarolo is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario and performing surgeries at Bluewater Health Hospital in Sarnia, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She 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.

Dr. Cuccarolo graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 18 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having begun her practice in 2006. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certifications underpin her commitment to surgical excellence and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Cuccarolo utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery and reduce patient discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development to maintain surgical excellence for her patients in Sarnia. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, emphasizing compassionate and individualized treatment for each patient.

Dr. Glenna Cuccarolo provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Cuccarolo addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• 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).
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• 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.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.

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. Cuccarolo.

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. Cuccarolo's primary clinic is located within the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Sarnia's Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Bluewater Health Hospital, which is easily accessible for her patients. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. The practice location is conveniently situated near Centennial Park and is accessible via Sarnia Transit, with ample parking options available nearby, including accessible parking. This setting provides a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up surgical care.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Cuccarolo 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cuccarolo do?

Dr. Cuccarolo, a General Surgeon, 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cuccarolo ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Cuccarolo, 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 surgical skills.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cuccarolo perform?

Dr. Cuccarolo, 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. Cuccarolo 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. Cuccarolo?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cuccarolo 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. Cuccarolo will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Cuccarolo doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Cuccarolo 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. Cuccarolo after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

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

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
89 Norman Street, Department of Paediatrics
Sarnia, ON N7T 6S3

Clinic Phone: (519) 464-4400

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

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

Verify Dr. Cuccarolo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cuccarolo-Glenna-Lorenza/0181925-76113