Dr. Katrina Celeste Duncan – General Surgeon | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Katrina Celeste Duncan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in New Westminster and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in New Westminster, 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. Dr. Duncan’s practice 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.

She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Her certifications include the Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical education.

Dr. Duncan’s professional philosophy is centered on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, she utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and reduced discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Duncan is committed to delivering compassionate, expert surgical care to the community in New Westminster. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Katrina Duncan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Duncan addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.

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. Duncan.

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. Duncan practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located in the vibrant Uptown neighbourhood of New Westminster, close to the Massey Victory Heights area. Her clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations, pre- and post-operative care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals that meet high standards of safety and patient care. The clinic is conveniently accessible via TransLink, with options including the SkyTrain Expo Line and nearby bus routes. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Duncan do?

Dr. Duncan, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Duncan?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Duncan varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Duncan will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Duncan perform?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Duncan 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.

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

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

301 Columbia St E Ste 201
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W5

Clinic Phone: (604) 970-1096

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

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

Verify Dr. Duncan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339186/Duncan%2CKatrina