About
Dr. Helene Flageole is a skilled General Surgeon, practicing at a dedicated surgical clinic in Hamilton, ON. She performs surgeries primarily at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, providing specialized surgical care in a modern and patient-focused environment. Her clinic is situated in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods, conveniently accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible, designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots to facilitate easy access for all patients. Dr. Flageole's practice emphasizes a professional, welcoming atmosphere for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up surgical care, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and comprehensive management.
She is a graduate of McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Canada), earning her Medical Degree with a strong foundation in surgical principles. With over 31 years of experience as a General Surgeon, she has established a reputation for excellence in surgical care since beginning her practice in 1993. Dr. Flageole is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 62007. Her extensive training and certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining high standards of surgical practice and continuous professional development.
Dr. Flageole is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. She strongly believes in clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce patient discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of complex conditions and is committed to ongoing surgical excellence. Fluent in both English and French, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Hamilton, ensuring all patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. Helene Flageole provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Flageole addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Flageole addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Helene Flageole is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
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. Flageole.
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. Helene Flageole practices at a surgical clinic located in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods, offering accessible, patient-centered care. The clinic is conveniently situated near Hamilton's HMCS Haida National Historic Site and is easily reachable via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Patients can access the clinic and Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, where many surgical procedures are performed, with wheelchair accessible entrances and ample parking options, including designated accessible spots. The facilities are designed to prioritize patient comfort, privacy, and safety, ensuring a professional environment for consultations, diagnostics, and postoperative follow-up.
- Does Dr. Flageole perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Flageole 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. Flageole would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Flageole do?
- Dr. Flageole, 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Flageole perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Flageole 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. Flageole's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Flageole?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Flageole is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Flageole will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Flageole?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Flageole 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.
Suite 210, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
Clinic Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Clinic Fax: (905) 521-9992
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Flageole 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. Flageole for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Flageole's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Flageole-Helene/0048029-62007