About
Dr. Howard Roy Kirkpatrick is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Huntsville and performing surgeries at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Hospital in Huntsville, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Kirkpatrick adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost quality and professionalism. 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. His 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 a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 42 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1982, Dr. Kirkpatrick has built a reputation for surgical excellence. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to the highest standards of surgical practice.
Dr. Kirkpatrick’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 recoveries and reduce surgical risks. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing education and surgical excellence for the benefit of his patients in Huntsville. Dr. Kirkpatrick provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, ensuring clear and effective communication.
Dr. Howard Kirkpatrick provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Kirkpatrick addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Kirkpatrick addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Howard Kirkpatrick is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- 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.
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. Kirkpatrick.
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. Kirkpatrick's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Huntsville, situated within the neighborhood of Huntsville's medical facilities. The clinic is conveniently positioned near major healthcare facilities and accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Kirkpatrick?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Kirkpatrick 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kirkpatrick?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Kirkpatrick 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. Kirkpatrick will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Kirkpatrick?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Kirkpatrick 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. Kirkpatrick will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Does Dr. Kirkpatrick perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Kirkpatrick 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. Kirkpatrick whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kirkpatrick ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Kirkpatrick 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. Kirkpatrick 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.
100 Frank Miller Drive
Huntsville, ON P1H 1H7
Clinic Phone: (705) 789-1876
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Kirkpatrick 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. Kirkpatrick for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Kirkpatrick's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kirkpatrick-Howard-Roy/0037000-50976