Dr. Laura Lynn Donahoe is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Toronto and performing surgeries at Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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 rooted in compassion, ensuring each patient receives personalized care in a professional and supportive environment. The clinic offers a dedicated space for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care, all designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. The facility is easily accessible via public transportation and provides parking options in nearby lots, ensuring convenience for patients and visitors.
Dr. Donahoe graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. She has over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having begun her practice in 2013. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and professional development.
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. Donahoe routinely utilizes minimally invasive techniques when appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, she remains at the forefront of surgical innovations and best practices to serve her patients in Toronto with compassion and excellence.
Dr. Laura Donahoe provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Donahoe addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Donahoe addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head 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. Laura Donahoe is necessary.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- 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: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- 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. Donahoe.
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. Donahoe's primary clinic is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood in Toronto, Ontario. The clinic is situated within a professional healthcare facility close to major city landmarks such as Yonge-Dundas Square. Patients can access the clinic easily via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Hospital For Sick Children, which is nearby and well-equipped for pediatric surgical cases. 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 practice provides a welcoming and patient-centered environment, ensuring high-quality care from consultation through post-operative follow-up.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Donahoe perform?
- Dr. Donahoe, 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. Donahoe may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Donahoe ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Donahoe, 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 surgical skills.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Donahoe?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Donahoe doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Donahoe 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. Donahoe after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Donahoe perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Donahoe 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. Donahoe whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Donahoe?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Donahoe 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. Donahoe will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
9N-950, 200 Elizabeth St
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Clinic Phone: (416) 340-4800 | Clinic Fax: (416) 340-4556
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Donahoe 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. Donahoe for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Donahoe's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Donahoe-Laura-Lynn/0269392-94896