Dr. Julie Nicole Leal – General Surgeon | Mississauga, ON

Dr. Julie Nicole Leal is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Mississauga and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Mississauga, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role involves 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 practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Leal graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and experience enable her to deliver comprehensive surgical care tailored to each patient's needs.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Leal utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, dedicated to serving the surgical needs of patients in Mississauga. She provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English.

Dr. Julie Leal provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Leal addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.

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

• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.

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. Leal.

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. Leal practices primarily at a well-equipped surgical clinic located in Mississauga's Mississauga City Centre, Square One Area. The clinic is situated conveniently near the Cooksville GO Station and accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific details may vary by facility, but the focus remains on offering accessible, high-quality care for all patients.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Leal do?

Dr. Leal, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Leal perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Leal 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. Leal's areas of focus within general surgery.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Leal ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Leal 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. Leal has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Leal 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.

M4 wing, 100 Queensway west, NICU
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8

Clinic Phone: (905) 848-7100

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

Dr. Leal 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. Leal for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Leal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Leal-Julie-Nicole/0278526-97244