Dr. Janet Patricia Edwards – General Surgeon | Calgary, AB

Dr. Janet Patricia Edwards is a skilled General and Thoracic Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. She has advanced expertise in Thoracic Surgery, treating conditions of the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall, including cancers and benign diseases, alongside a general surgery practice. Dr. Edwards’s approach is rooted in compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to patient-centered care. The clinic is dedicated to providing a professional and compassionate environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to optimize patient outcomes.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Dalhousie University in 2007 and holds the necessary specialty certification as a General and Thoracic Surgeon. Her extensive post-graduate training includes surgical residencies and fellowships that have equipped her with the skills needed to manage a wide spectrum of surgical conditions. She maintains current certification and licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 020799, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in Alberta.

Dr. Edwards’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. She prioritizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and reduce discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient’s condition. Her dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence drives her commitment to delivering high-quality care for patients in Calgary. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring effective communication throughout the treatment journey.

Dr. Janet Edwards provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions (Benign and Malignant)

Dr. Edwards addresses procedures aimed at both diagnosis (biopsy) and treatment (removal) of concerning skin and subcutaneous lesions.

• Benign Skin Lesions (e.g., Cysts, Lipomas, Moles/Nevi): Surgical removal of common non-cancerous skin growths for cosmetic reasons, discomfort, or diagnostic certainty.
• Abscesses and Soft Tissue Infections (requiring drainage): Often accompanied by antibiotic therapy.
• Pilonidal Disease: Management of infection and inflammation of a pilonidal sinus or cyst, typically located near the tailbone.

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.

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. Edwards.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Edwards practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Peter Lougheed Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, Bus, and BRT services. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and surgical follow-up. Patients will find ample parking nearby, including accessible options, facilitating ease of access for all.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Edwards perform?

As a General and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Edwards 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. Edwards's areas of focus within general surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Edwards do?

Dr. Edwards, a General and Thoracic 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.

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Edwards 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. Edwards?

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Edwards 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. Edwards would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

1403 29 St NW, Room G33C
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Clinic Phone: (403) 944-8560

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

Dr. Edwards is a licensed General and Thoracic Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Edwards for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Edwards's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=24fa1d34-0f34-452a-9a3f-190a18cebaa4&i=415