About
Dr. Johnny Kin Chau is a skilled General 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, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His 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. Dr. Chau’s focus is on 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 dedicated to providing a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing comfort, privacy, and personalized treatment approaches.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2012. Following his medical degree, he completed extensive postgraduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His credentials include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), demonstrating his competence and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice.
Dr. Chau’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, ensuring they are fully informed about their treatment options. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize patient discomfort and expedite recovery. Dr. Chau collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Additionally, he is fluent in Cantonese and English, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population with culturally sensitive care.
Dr. Johnny Chau provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chau addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chau addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Johnny Chau is necessary.
- 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.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- 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).
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
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. Chau.
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. Chau's primary clinic is situated in a modern surgical facility in Calgary's SW neighborhoods of Mission, Erlton, and Rideau Park. The clinic is conveniently located near major transit routes, including Calgary Transit services such as CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT lines, providing easy access for patients across the city. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and postoperative follow-up. Patients generally find ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking, to facilitate a smooth visit. The facility offers a professional, caring setting dedicated to high-quality surgical care and patient satisfaction.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chau perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Chau 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. Chau's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chau ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Chau, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chau?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Chau 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chau do?
- Dr. Chau, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Chau?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Chau 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. Chau will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Chau perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chau 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. Chau whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chau?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Chau 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. Chau will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
#315 - 2210 2nd St SW
Calgary, AB T2S 3C3
Clinic Phone: (403) 880-7240 | Clinic Fax: (403) 237-6646
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chau 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. Chau for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Chau's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=925f6c32-188e-44db-b083-a6c517f3d244&i=269