Dr. Jonathan David Seto – General Surgeon | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Jonathan David Seto is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Lethbridge and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Lethbridge, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost professionalism and quality of care. Dr. Seto'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. 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 Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2015. Dr. Seto has completed extensive postgraduate training 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 commitment to maintaining professional standards and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Seto’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He values a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he aims to deliver comprehensive and personalized management for each patient. His dedication to surgical excellence and ongoing education allows him to offer the highest standard of care to residents of Lethbridge and surrounding communities. Dr. Seto provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on compassionate, thorough, and evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Jonathan Seto provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Seto addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• 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).
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.

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

• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• 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.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• 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.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.

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. Seto.

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. Seto's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in the heart of Downtown Lethbridge, in the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the ENMAX Centre (Arena), making it easily accessible. Residents can reach the clinic via Lethbridge Transit, with accessible and ample parking options usually available nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can expect a compassionate, efficient, and patient-focused experience in a modern, well-equipped setting.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Seto 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. Seto whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Seto 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. Seto do?

Dr. Seto, 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Seto ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Seto, 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.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Seto 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. Seto will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Seto is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Seto will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

304-410 7 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G6

Clinic Phone: (403) 317-1890 | Clinic Fax: (403) 317-1893

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

Dr. Seto 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. Seto for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Seto's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=cf569708-76d8-4936-8c52-6ed94e32b57c&i=1306