Dr. Homer Chin-Nan Tien – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Homer Chin-Nan Tien is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children and performing surgeries at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). He 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. Dr. Tien's approach is patient-centered, dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has accumulated over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2002. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), he maintains ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in surgical care and techniques. His extensive training and experience underpin his commitment to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical interventions tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Tien's professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to surgical excellence, safety, and patient satisfaction. He values clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed and actively involved in their care choices. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive management for complex conditions. Fluent in English and Chinese, Dr. Tien effectively communicates with diverse patient populations, fostering trust and understanding. His dedication to ongoing education and surgical innovation ensures that patients in Toronto benefit from the latest advancements in general surgery.

Dr. Homer Tien provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
• 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): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Tien addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• 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. Homer Tien is necessary.

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.

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. Tien.

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. Tien's primary clinic is located at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto's Lawrence Park neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations, follow-up visits, and pre-operative assessments. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a leading tertiary hospital equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The clinic and hospital are situated conveniently with access to public transportation, including TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice emphasizes personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives thorough evaluation and tailored treatment planning in a comfortable setting.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Tien perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Tien ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Tien 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. Tien has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Tien 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. Tien will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Tien do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Tien 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.

The Hospital for Sick Children
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Clinic Phone: (416) 671-2166 | Clinic Fax: (416) 480-5851

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

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

Verify Dr. Tien's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tien-Homer-ChinNan/0051183-65162