Dr. Margaret Leslie Gordon – General Surgeon | Oakville, ON

Dr. Margaret Leslie Gordon is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital and performing surgeries at Halton Healthcare Services Corporation Hospital in Oakville, 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 grounded in providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring each individual receives tailored treatment plans in a safe and comfortable environment.

Dr. Gordon graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 13 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2011, she has developed a broad expertise in general surgical procedures and patient management. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of surgical advancements, committed to delivering the highest quality of care to her patients.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Gordon is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she ensures comprehensive management of her patients’ conditions. Her commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing education underscores her dedication to serving the Oakville community with compassionate and expert surgical care. She provides consultations and surgical care in English, ensuring effective communication and understanding with her patients.

Dr. Margaret Gordon provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Gordon addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• 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. Margaret Gordon is necessary.

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.

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. Gordon.

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. Gordon practices primarily at her clinic located at St. Michael's Hospital in Oakville's West Oak Trails and Glen Abbey West neighborhoods. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Halton Healthcare Services Corporation Hospital, ensuring high standards of safety and care. The clinic is conveniently situated near various plazas, accessible by Oakville Transit, and offers ample parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and post-surgical follow-up care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking easily and enjoy a welcoming, patient-oriented setting for all their surgical needs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Gordon perform?

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

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Gordon?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Gordon 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Gordon ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Gordon 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. Gordon has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Gordon do?

Dr. Gordon, 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.

St. Michael's Hospital
3001 Hospital Gate, Department of Medical Imaging
Oakville, ON L6M 0L8

Clinic Phone: (289) 813-0211 | Clinic Fax: (289) 529-0251

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

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

Verify Dr. Gordon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gordon-Margaret-Leslie/0232677-85287