Dr. Léo Cantin – Neurosurgeon | Québec, QC

Dr. Léo Cantin is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at CHU-UL Hôpital de L'Enfant-Jésus in Québec City, QC, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. He provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. Dr. Cantin adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective patient care.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 42 years of experience as a Neurosurgeon since 1982. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Neurosurgery (Surgical Care of the Brain, Spine, and Nerves) in Québec. His long-standing clinical practice reflects a deep commitment to advancing neurosurgical techniques and patient outcomes.

Dr. Cantin’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, precision surgery, and utilizing advanced technology to optimize results. He values multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive post-operative care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment in a supportive environment. Fluent in French, he is dedicated to serving the community of Québec City with professionalism and compassion.

Dr. Léo Cantin surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): A condition where the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer ring, potentially compressing nerves.

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Spasticity (severe, for Baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy consideration): Severe muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially managed with implantable drug delivery systems or nerve root surgery.
• Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.
• Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Léo Cantin.

• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation for Chronic Pain: Placement of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to manage chronic back or limb pain.
• Non-Operative Management of Select Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing conservative management options when surgery is not immediately indicated, including observation, medication management referrals, and pain management strategies.
• Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping & Coiling (Endovascular coiling often with Interventional Neuroradiology): Surgical or endovascular treatment to secure brain aneurysms and prevent rupture or re-rupture.
• Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Emergency and elective procedures for TBI, including craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, management of skull fractures, and intracranial pressure monitoring.
• Surgical Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes (e.g., Microvascular Decompression): Procedures to alleviate severe facial pain caused by nerve compression or dysfunction.
• Peripheral Nerve Decompression Surgery (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Release, Ulnar Nerve Decompression): Surgical procedures to relieve pressure on entrapped peripheral nerves.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Cantin for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

At CHU-UL Hôpital de L'Enfant-Jésus, located in the vibrant areas near central Québec City, patients find a dedicated and accessible neurosurgical service. The hospital is situated close to Waterfront Park along the St. Lawrence River, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment. Easily accessible via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), the facility is wheelchair accessible and conveniently connected to public transit options. Paid parking options are available nearby, ensuring ease of access for all patients. As a key medical facility within a larger hospital complex, the practice benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team committed to excellence in neurosurgical care.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Cantin, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Cantin, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Cantin's office, the hospital's financial services, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Cantin, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Cantin. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Cantin is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.

What is recovery like after neurosurgery?

Recovery from neurosurgery varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, the underlying condition being treated, and the individual patient's overall health. It can range from a few weeks for some minimally invasive spine procedures to several months or longer for major brain or complex spine surgeries. Recovery often involves a hospital stay, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation, which may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Dr. Cantin and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Cantin?

The treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type, size, location, and the patient's overall health. For many tumors, surgical resection (removal) by a neurosurgeon like Dr. Cantin is a primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Surgery may also be done to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Often, surgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, coordinated with oncologists and radiation oncologists.

What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Cantin will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

CHU-UL Hôpital de L'Enfant-Jésus
1401 18e Rue
Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4

Phone: (418) 649-5887 | Fax: (418) 649-5915

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Cantin is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Cantin for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=82274