Dr. Marcus Jeffrey Burnstein – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Marcus Jeffrey Burnstein is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Toronto and performing surgeries at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. His approach 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. Burnstein graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada. With over 40 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1984, he has accumulated extensive clinical expertise. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice meets the rigorous standards required for surgical care in Ontario.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Burnstein emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Burnstein strives to deliver the highest standard of care for patients in Toronto. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Marcus Burnstein provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Burnstein 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.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Burnstein addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• 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.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.

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. Burnstein.

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. Burnstein's primary clinic is located in the vibrant Garden District neighborhood of Toronto, near Ryerson University and Kensington Market, offering convenient access via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The clinic is situated within a modern, accessible facility designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at St Michael's Hospital, which is nearby and equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, with designated parking and accessible spots available at or near these locations. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for initial consultations, follow-up care, and post-operative appointments. The area is well-served by public transportation, and parking options are generally available at or near the hospital and clinic, ensuring ease of access for patients from across Toronto.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Burnstein is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Burnstein will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Burnstein do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Burnstein, 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. Burnstein provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Burnstein ever specialize further?

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Burnstein 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.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Burnstein doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Burnstein 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. Burnstein after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Burnstein perform?

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

30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

Clinic Phone: (416) 864-6050 | Clinic Fax: (416) 864-5668

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

Dr. Burnstein 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. Burnstein for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Burnstein's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Burnstein-Marcus-Jeffrey/0036256-50232