Dr. Jean Couture – General Surgeon | Lévis, QC

Dr. Jean Couture is a skilled General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Lévis, QC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective patient care. He has a particular expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Couture performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is characterized by skill, compassion, and a patient-focused philosophy, providing high-quality surgical care from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, with a commitment to modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Couture holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 13 years of experience as a General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), having commenced his practice in 2011. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice within Quebec, complying fully with the standards and regulations of the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Couture is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Couture offers consultations and surgical services in French, ensuring accessible and personalized care for patients in Lévis.

Dr. Jean Couture provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Dr. Couture addresses involves rapid decision-making and complex operative procedures to manage critical conditions.

• Chest Trauma (e.g., Hemothorax, Pneumothorax requiring surgery): Surgical interventions for severe chest injuries, such as placement of chest tubes or, in some cases, thoracotomy for ongoing bleeding or major air leak.
• Abdominal Trauma (Blunt or Penetrating): Critical care and resuscitation are key components of trauma management.
• Perforated Viscus (e.g., Stomach, Intestine): Emergency surgical repair of a hole in the wall of a hollow organ in the abdomen, such as the stomach or intestine.

Thoracic Conditions (General Surgeon Scope or Thoracic Subspecialty)

Dr. Couture addresses often involves minimally invasive techniques like VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery).

• Esophageal Diseases (e.g., GERD requiring surgery, Achalasia, Esophageal Cancer - select cases): Complex procedures often requiring specialized thoracic or upper GI surgical expertise.
• Pleural Diseases (e.g., Recurrent Pleural Effusion, Empyema): Often performed using VATS.

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

• 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.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.

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. Couture.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Couture's primary clinic is located at Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis in the Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Lévis, ensuring seamless care. The clinic is conveniently accessible near the Traverse Québec-Lévis (Ferry Terminal) and is reachable via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The environment provides a professional and welcoming setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific parking and access details may vary depending on the facility, but the environment is dedicated to patient convenience and safety.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Couture 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Couture perform?

As a General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus), Dr. Couture 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. Couture's areas of focus within general surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Couture do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Couture, 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 (Surgical Oncology Focus), Dr. Couture provides comprehensive surgical management.

Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis
143 rue Wolfe
Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1

Clinic Phone: (418) 835-7121

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

Dr. Couture is a licensed General Surgeon (Surgical Oncology Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Couture for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).

Verify Dr. Couture's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=83278