Dr. Marilyn Rose Vanderputten – General Surgeon | Duncan, BC

Dr. Marilyn Rose Vanderputten is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Duncan and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Duncan, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. 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. The surgical 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.

Dr. Vanderputten graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2005. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of surgical innovation and best practices, providing her patients with the most current and safe surgical options available.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Dr. Vanderputten is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries and reduce discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients’ conditions. Her dedication to surgical excellence in Duncan reflects her ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes through continuous learning and compassionate care. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Marilyn Vanderputten provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Vanderputten addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
• 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.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.

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

• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum 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. Vanderputten.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Vanderputten practices at a surgical clinic located in Duncan's medical neighborhood, conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated hospitals in Duncan, which are equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. The environment fosters a professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented experience for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can expect a dedicated team committed to high standards of safety and personalized care in a comfortable setting.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Vanderputten 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Vanderputten perform?

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

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

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Vanderputten 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. Vanderputten would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Vanderputten do?

Dr. Vanderputten, 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Vanderputten ever specialize further?

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

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

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

3106 Gibbins Rd
Duncan, BC V9L 1E8

Clinic Phone: (250) 737-1020

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

Dr. Vanderputten is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Vanderputten for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Vanderputten's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332961/Vanderputten%2CMarilyn