Dr. Luke Andrew Szobota – General Surgeon | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Luke Andrew Szobota is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Lethbridge and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Lethbridge, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The 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.

Dr. Szobota graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Queen's University in 2008. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is credentialed with certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. His training and certification reflect a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.

He is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Szobota emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed about their treatment options. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His professional philosophy is rooted in surgical excellence and a commitment to improving patient outcomes in Lethbridge. He provides surgical consultations and ongoing care in English.

Dr. Luke Szobota provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Szobota 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.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).

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

• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.

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. Szobota.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Szobota practices primarily at a dedicated surgical clinic located in the heart of Downtown Lethbridge, in the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the ENMAX Centre (Arena), with easy access via Lethbridge Transit and ample parking options in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. 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 expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Szobota 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. Szobota whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Szobota?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Szobota 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. Szobota will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Szobota perform?

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

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Szobota 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. Szobota will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Szobota ever specialize further?

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

410 7 St S, 304
Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G6

Clinic Phone: (403) 317-1890 | Clinic Fax: (403) 317-1893 | Practice Website: https://www.lethbridgegisa.com/

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

Dr. Szobota is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Szobota for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Szobota's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=18a91f59-c393-4b00-bdd0-93305196fbdc&i=1416