Dr. Helen Marie MacRae – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Helen Marie MacRae is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Kingston General Hospital and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Toronto, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. MacRae’s role involves 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. Her practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Canada. With over 31 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1993, she has established a reputation for surgical excellence and compassionate patient care. Dr. MacRae is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to the highest standards of professional practice and ongoing professional development.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. MacRae is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce postoperative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to continuous learning and surgical innovation to serve her patients in Toronto with the highest level of care.

Dr. Helen MacRae provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. MacRae 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): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.

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. MacRae.

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. MacRae's primary clinic is located at Kingston General Hospital, situated in Toronto's Davisville neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, ensuring access to state-of-the-art facilities. The practice location is conveniently accessible via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, with nearby parking options including accessible parking. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, providing a welcoming setting for all patients seeking surgical consultation and care.

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

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. MacRae 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. MacRae perform?

Dr. MacRae, 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. MacRae may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. MacRae ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. MacRae may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. MacRae has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. MacRae do?

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

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

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

Kingston General Hospital
301-40 Holly St
Toronto, ON M4S 3C3

Clinic Phone: (416) 486-8088

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

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

Verify Dr. MacRae's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MacRae-Helen-Marie/0056896-68485