About
Dr. Leslie Anne Stephens is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Belleville Queen's University and performing surgeries at Cornwall Community Hospital in Cornwall, 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 delivering high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Stephens graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has over 7 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having been in practice since 2017. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification ensure she provides safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Stephens prioritizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Stephens strives to deliver the highest standard of surgical care for her patients in Cornwall. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a compassionate and approachable manner.
Dr. Leslie Stephens provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Stephens addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Stephens addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- 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. Leslie Stephens is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
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. Stephens.
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. Stephens's primary clinic is located at Belleville Queen's University, situated within a reputable medical clinic in Cornwall's healthcare district. The clinic is conveniently positioned near major healthcare facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. The facility offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Cornwall Community Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and patient amenities. 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 positive experience for all.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Stephens?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Stephens doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Stephens 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. Stephens after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Stephens?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Stephens 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. Stephens will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Stephens perform?
- Dr. Stephens, 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. Stephens may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Stephens?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Stephens 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Stephens do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Stephens, 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. Stephens provides comprehensive surgical management.
Belleville Queen's University
Unit 104, 215-820 McConnell Ave, Family Medicine Centre
Cornwall, ON K6H 4M4
Clinic Phone: (613) 937-0900
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Stephens 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. Stephens for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Stephens's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Stephens-Leslie-Anne/0272955-95260