About
Dr. Gregory Steven Kotylak is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Maple Ridge and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Maple Ridge, 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. Kotylak 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 British Columbia in 1986 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Additionally, he maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and continuing professional development.
Dr. Kotylak's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to facilitate quicker recovery and reduce surgical morbidity. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Kotylak provides surgical consultations and care in English for patients in Maple Ridge and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Gregory Kotylak provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Kotylak addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Kotylak addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Gregory Kotylak is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
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. Kotylak.
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. Kotylak's primary clinic is situated in a modern surgical facility in Maple Ridge, located in the East Maple Ridge, Whonnock, Ruskin neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped for a wide range of surgical interventions. The clinic is conveniently accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express) and is situated near Downtown Maple Ridge (Haney). The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Ample parking, including accessible options, is usually available nearby to facilitate easy patient access.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kotylak?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Kotylak is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Kotylak 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Kotylak?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Kotylak doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Kotylak 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. Kotylak after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Kotylak perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Kotylak 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. Kotylak would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kotylak perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Kotylak 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. Kotylak's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kotylak ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Kotylak, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Kotylak?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Kotylak 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.
Unit 201-12005 238B St.
Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1W1
Clinic Phone: (604) 466-9019 | Clinic Fax: (877) 520-1384
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Kotylak 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. Kotylak for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Kotylak's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305420/Kotylak%2CGregory