About
Dr. John Nelson Fletcher is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at St. Mary's Hospital and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Camrose, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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. The surgical practice is committed to delivering personalized, comprehensive care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Fletcher graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1995. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains his credentials with certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. His ongoing commitment to professional development ensures he remains at the forefront of surgical advancements and best practices.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Fletcher emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His dedication to surgical excellence aims to deliver optimal outcomes for patients in Camrose, providing surgical consultations and care in English with a focus on compassion and professionalism.
Dr. John Fletcher provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Fletcher 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).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Fletcher addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- 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).
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. John Fletcher is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- 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. Fletcher.
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. Fletcher's primary clinic is located at St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose, within a modern medical facility dedicated to providing comprehensive surgical and patient care. The clinic is situated in a convenient neighborhood close to major healthcare facilities, easily accessible via local public transit routes. Patients can expect a professional environment designed for comfort, privacy, and efficient service. The hospital and clinic facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking spaces. The clinic offers a welcoming atmosphere for consultations, follow-ups, and pre- and post-operative care, with a focus on patient-centered service and seamless coordination with surgical teams. Patients can contact the clinic for appointments and inquiries, ensuring timely and personalized surgical care.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Fletcher?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Fletcher 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. Fletcher 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. Fletcher perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Fletcher 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. Fletcher whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Fletcher?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Fletcher 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Fletcher ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Fletcher, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Fletcher perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Fletcher 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. Fletcher's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Fletcher?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Fletcher 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. Fletcher will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Fletcher do?
- Dr. Fletcher, a General 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.
St. Mary's Hospital
# 1 6601 48TH AVE, SMITH CLINIC
Camrose, AB T4V 3G8
Clinic Phone: (780) 608-5875 | Clinic Fax: (866) 517-9863
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Fletcher is a licensed General 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. Fletcher for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Fletcher's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a98d9c48-f708-4264-8bea-b3318b4c9bd5&i=472