Dr. Kathy Kawai Lee – General Surgeon | Richmond, BC

Dr. Kathy Kawai Lee is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at General Surgeon, Dr. Kathy K. Lee and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Richmond, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high 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. Lee graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2005. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and certification ensure she maintains the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Lee utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Richmond, BC.

Dr. Kathy Lee provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• 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.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• 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. Kathy Lee is necessary.

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.

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. Lee.

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. Kathy Kawai Lee's primary clinic, General Surgeon, is situated in Richmond's Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond City Hall and is accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus routes. 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 and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment provides a professional, welcoming setting for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a positive patient experience at every stage of treatment.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Lee perform?

Dr. Lee, 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. Lee may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Lee ever specialize further?

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Lee 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. Lee would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

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

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Lee, 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, Dr. Lee provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee?

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

General Surgeon, Dr. Kathy K. Lee
4651 No. 3 Rd, Dr. Kathy K. Lee, General Surgeon
Richmond, BC V6X 2C4

Clinic Phone: (604) 303-7633 | Clinic Fax: (604) 303-7611

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

Dr. Lee 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. Lee for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332988/Lee%2CKathy