Dr. Gurpreet Singh Johal – General Surgeon | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Gurpreet Singh Johal is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Burnaby and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Burnaby, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, emphasizing safety, comfort, and personalized treatment. Dr. Johal adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives care that meets rigorous professional and ethical benchmarks. He has a particular focus on 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 offers a professional and compassionate environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with modern facilities designed for patient comfort and privacy. The clinic's location is easily accessible, with convenient parking options near the practice, and is situated in close proximity to Burnaby Mountain Park, accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus).

Dr. Johal graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2012 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to excellence in surgical care and continuous professional development. His certifications and training ensure that he remains current with the latest surgical techniques and best practices, providing his patients with safe, effective, and evidence-based treatments.

With a professional philosophy rooted in a patient-centered approach, Dr. Johal is dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable with their treatment plans. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. Dr. Johal collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of complex conditions. Additionally, he is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, continually enhancing his skills and knowledge. Fluent in English and Punjabi, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring that language is never a barrier to quality care.

Dr. Gurpreet Johal provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Johal 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.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Johal addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

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

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.

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. Johal.

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. Johal's primary practice is located at a well-equipped surgical clinic in Burnaby, situated in the vibrant Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Burnaby Mountain Park and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). The facility offers a welcoming and professional environment designed to ensure patient comfort, privacy, and safety. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking usually available nearby. Patients can expect a friendly and efficient experience when visiting for consultations, diagnostic procedures, or follow-up care. For surgical procedures, Dr. Johal performs operations at local hospitals in Burnaby, which are equipped with modern surgical suites and support services to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

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

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Johal perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Johal 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. Johal's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Johal ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Johal, 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. Johal?

You would typically be referred to Dr. Johal 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. Johal do?

Dr. Johal, 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.

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

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

707-6378 SILVER AVE
Burnaby, BC V5H 0J2

Clinic Phone: (604) 423-3620 | Clinic Fax: (604) 423-3621

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

Dr. Johal 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. Johal for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Johal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333608/Johal%2CGurpreet