About
Dr. Luke Byron Hartford is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Sault Area Hospital in Sudbury, ON, he performs surgeries at Health Sciences North Hospital, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care in a trusted environment. His practice is dedicated to providing patient-centered surgical services, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and compassion. Dr. Hartford adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and ethical practice.
He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Hartford performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach combines modern surgical techniques with compassionate care, ensuring patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey. The clinic and affiliated 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 fosters a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care.
Dr. Hartford graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Canada. With over three years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2021, he is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His professional development is ongoing, committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in surgical care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Dr. Luke Hartford provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Hartford addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Hartford addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
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 Hartford is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
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. Hartford.
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. Hartford primarily practices at the Sault Area Hospital located in Sudbury's Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, and Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Health Sciences North Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating rooms. The clinic is conveniently situated near College Boreal and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, making access straightforward for those seeking surgical consultation or post-operative follow-up.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Hartford?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Hartford is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hartford do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Hartford, 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. Hartford provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Hartford perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Hartford 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. Hartford would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Hartford?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Hartford 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. Hartford will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Hartford ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Hartford may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Hartford has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Hartford perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Hartford 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. Hartford's areas of focus within general surgery.
Sault Area Hospital
401-65 Larch St
Sudbury, ON P3E 1B8
Clinic Phone: (705) 673-8391 | Clinic Fax: (705) 673-7330
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Hartford 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. Hartford for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Hartford's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hartford-Luke-Byron/0310345-109251