Dr. Katherine Eva Hsu – General Surgeon | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Katherine Eva Hsu is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Dr. Katherine Hsu and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Burnaby, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She has expertise in 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 dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Hsu graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 2000. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and has obtained certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and continuous professional development ensure she remains current with the latest advances in surgical care, providing her patients with safe and effective treatment options.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Hsu emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence for her patients in Burnaby, she also communicates effectively in Mandarin in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population.

Dr. Katherine Hsu provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Hsu 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.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local 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. Katherine Hsu is necessary.

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• 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).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Hsu.

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

Dr. Katherine Hsu's primary clinic is located in Burnaby's Metrotown Area, in the Burnaby South neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Burnaby Mountain Park and accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific access details may vary depending on the facility, but all are committed to ensuring ease of access and a positive patient experience.

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

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Hsu to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Hsu would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Hsu perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hsu do?

Dr. Hsu, 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. Hsu ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Hsu 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. Hsu 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.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Hsu 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Hsu?

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

Dr. Katherine Hsu
107-3825 Sunset St
Burnaby, BC V5G 1T4

Clinic Phone: (604) 568-5026 | Clinic Fax: (604) 568-5027

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

Dr. Hsu is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Hsu for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Hsu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325002/Hsu%2CKatherine