Dr. Hunter Robert Cape is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Stratford General Hospital and performing surgeries at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role encompasses diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Cape 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 University College Dublin (Ireland), bringing a strong international medical education foundation. With over 9 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2015, Dr. Cape has developed a broad surgical expertise. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the highest Canadian standards of surgical care.
Dr. Cape is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive management for complex cases. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Cape strives to offer exceptional surgical services to the community of Orillia. He provides consultations and surgical care in English, ensuring accessible communication for his patients.
Dr. Hunter Cape provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cape addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cape addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Hunter Cape is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
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. Cape.
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. Cape's primary clinic is located at Stratford General Hospital in Orillia's medical clinic in Orillia neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, conveniently situated within the city. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice is situated close to major healthcare facilities and accessible via local public transit routes. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment fosters a professional and patient-oriented experience for consultations and follow-up surgical care.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cape perform?
- Dr. Cape, 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. Cape may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Cape perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Cape 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. Cape whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cape ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Cape, 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cape do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Cape, 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. Cape provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cape?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Cape 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cape?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cape 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. Cape will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
Stratford General Hospital
G1 - 16 O'Brien St
Orillia, ON L3V 5S2
Clinic Phone: (705) 259-6300
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cape 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. Cape for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Cape's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cape-Hunter-Robert/0265579-93383