About
Dr. Lynn Ashelm Mikula is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Peterborough and performing surgeries at Campbellford Memorial Hospital in Peterborough, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice maintains the utmost quality and safety. Dr. Mikula’s role involves 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 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.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2009, Dr. Mikula has developed a broad and deep expertise in her field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education. Her extensive training and certification enable her to offer a wide range of surgical options tailored to her patients’ needs.
Dr. Mikula's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Whenever appropriate, she utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and maintains a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Additionally, she communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population in Peterborough and surrounding communities.
Dr. Lynn Mikula provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Mikula addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Mikula addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Lynn Mikula is necessary.
- 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.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
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. Mikula.
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. Mikula's primary clinic is located in a modern surgical clinic in the vibrant Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood. The clinic offers accessible, patient-friendly facilities for consultations and follow-up care. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with state-of-the-art operating rooms. The location offers convenient parking options, including accessible parking, usually found near the practice. The clinic is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit, ensuring convenient access for patients from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The environment fosters a professional, caring atmosphere dedicated to providing high-quality surgical care in a comfortable setting.
- Does Dr. Mikula perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Mikula 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. Mikula would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Mikula perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Mikula 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. Mikula's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Mikula ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Mikula, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Mikula?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Mikula 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. Mikula do?
- Dr. Mikula, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Mikula?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Mikula doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Mikula 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. Mikula after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
Unit 201, 272 Charlotte Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 2V4
Clinic Phone: (705) 743-2121
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Mikula 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. Mikula for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Mikula's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mikula-Lynn-Ashelm/0193920-77506