Dr. Marilou Vaillancourt is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at CH Saint-Eustache and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Saint-Eustache, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). She has a dedicated focus on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Vaillancourt performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The surgical practice is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Quebec, including registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Her professional qualifications underscore her commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development, ensuring patients receive safe and effective care.
Dr. Vaillancourt’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She routinely utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she offers comprehensive management tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Saint-Eustache, she provides consultations and surgical care in French, ensuring accessible communication and personalized care.
Dr. Marilou Vaillancourt provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Vaillancourt addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- 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.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Vaillancourt addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Marilou Vaillancourt is necessary.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical 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. Vaillancourt.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Vaillancourt's primary clinic is located within a modern medical facility in the Saint-Eustache neighborhood, offering a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is situated conveniently near major healthcare facilities, ensuring easy access for patients. It is accessible via local public transit routes, with wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities designed for patient comfort and privacy. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are equipped with ample parking options, including accessible parking spaces, often located nearby the surgical practice. This setting provides a welcoming environment for patients seeking expert surgical consultation and ongoing care in Saint-Eustache, QC.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Vaillancourt?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Vaillancourt is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Vaillancourt 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Vaillancourt do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Vaillancourt, 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. Vaillancourt provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Vaillancourt perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Vaillancourt 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. Vaillancourt whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Vaillancourt perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Vaillancourt 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. Vaillancourt's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Vaillancourt?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Vaillancourt 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. Vaillancourt 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. Vaillancourt ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Vaillancourt, 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. Vaillancourt?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Vaillancourt 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.
CH Saint-Eustache
520 Boul Arthur-Sauvé
Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5B1
Clinic Phone: (450) 473-6811
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Vaillancourt is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Vaillancourt for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Vaillancourt's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=13511