Dr. Joseph Philibert Jean Denis Yelle – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Joseph Philibert Jean Denis Yelle is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and performing surgeries at Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring all care is delivered with professionalism, safety, and compassion. Dr. Yelle’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 the initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine (Canada) and has over 34 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1990. Dr. Yelle is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), attesting to his expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. His extensive experience allows him to offer comprehensive surgical care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Yelle’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to promote faster recovery and reduce discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to surgical excellence. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Yelle effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Ottawa, ensuring understanding and comfort at every stage of care.

Dr. Joseph Yelle provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
• 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): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

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

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).

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. Yelle.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Yelle’s primary clinic is located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighborhood, with convenient access to the Civic Hospital, Westboro East, and proximity to the National Gallery of Canada. The clinic is easily accessible by public transportation, including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus services). The surgical practice is situated within a professional environment designed for patient comfort and privacy, with wheelchair accessible facilities. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Ottawa Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating rooms and post-operative care units. Patients can usually find parking nearby, including accessible options. The practice offers a welcoming setting for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care, ensuring a seamless patient experience from start to finish.

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Yelle 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Yelle do?

Dr. Yelle, 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Yelle?

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Yelle perform?

Dr. Yelle, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Yelle may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Yelle ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Yelle may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Yelle has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room FG 08, 1053 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Clinic Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Clinic Fax: (613) 761-4262

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

Dr. Yelle is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Yelle for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Yelle's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Yelle-Joseph-Philibert-Jean-Denis/0042051-56029