Dr. Josée Gagnon – General Surgeon | Québec, QC

Dr. Josée Gagnon is a skilled General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the CHU de Québec - Hôpital Enfant-Jésus and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Québec City, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Gagnon’s focus is on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is centered on providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Gagnon holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 13 years of experience as a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus) since 2011. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Québec, including licensure through the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her professional credentials and ongoing commitment to surgical excellence ensure her patients receive safe and effective care.

With a philosophy rooted in a patient-centered approach, Dr. Gagnon is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, she is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Gagnon provides consultations and surgical care in French, ensuring accessible communication for her patients in Québec City.

Dr. Josée Gagnon provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Dr. Gagnon addresses providing surgical care for patients with severe trauma from accidents, as well as non-traumatic surgical crises.

• Abdominal Trauma (Blunt or Penetrating): May require emergency laparotomy to control bleeding, repair organ damage, or remove devitalized tissue.
• Chest Trauma (e.g., Hemothorax, Pneumothorax requiring surgery): Management of rib fractures and associated complications.
• 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.

Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions (Benign and Malignant)

Dr. Gagnon addresses surgical excision and management of moles, cysts, lipomas, and various types of skin malignancies.

• Abscesses and Soft Tissue Infections (requiring drainage): Surgical management of certain soft tissue infections to remove infected material and promote healing.
• Pilonidal Disease: Procedures to resolve infection and prevent recurrence.

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

• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.

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. Gagnon.

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. Gagnon practices at a centrally located surgical clinic in Québec City’s neighborhood, specifically at the CHU de Québec - Hôpital Enfant-Jésus. The clinic is easily accessible via public transportation, including the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). The facility offers a professional and welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern operating rooms and advanced medical technology. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs. The practice emphasizes a patient-oriented approach, ensuring access to care in a convenient and comfortable setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagnon 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Gagnon perform?

As a General Surgeon (Critical Care Focus), Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon's areas of focus within general surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagnon do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Gagnon, 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 (Critical Care Focus), Dr. Gagnon provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Gagnon is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Gagnon 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.

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

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

CHU de Québec - Hôpital Enfant-Jésus
1401 18e Rue
Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4

Clinic Phone: (418) 649-0252 | Clinic Fax: (418) 649-5579

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

Dr. Gagnon is a licensed General Surgeon (Critical Care 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. Gagnon for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).

Verify Dr. Gagnon's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=94256