About
Dr. Mario Viens is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS in Sherbrooke, QC, he performs surgeries at affiliated local hospitals, ensuring high standards of care and patient safety. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused surgical services, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery. He adheres strictly to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), maintaining a commitment to excellence and professionalism. Dr. Viens's approach emphasizes modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, to optimize patient outcomes and comfort.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 31 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1993. With extensive post-graduate training and the necessary certifications, he is fully qualified to practice in Quebec, ensuring that all procedures meet the rigorous standards of the profession. His experience allows him to manage a broad spectrum of surgical conditions with confidence and precision.
Dr. Viens's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He values clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, Dr. Viens strives for surgical excellence for patients in Sherbrooke. He offers consultations and surgical care in both English and French, ensuring accessible and compassionate service.
Dr. Mario Viens provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Viens addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Viens addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- 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).
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Mario Viens is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- 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.
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. Viens.
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. Viens's primary clinic is located within the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS campus in Sherbrooke, in the Fleurimont East neighborhood. The clinic is situated conveniently near the Marché de la Gare, easily accessible via public transportation provided by the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The facility offers a professional, welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and privacy, with wheelchair accessible entrances and treatment rooms. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern operating theatres. Patients will find ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking, with clear signage and convenient access. The clinic and hospital facilities are committed to ensuring a smooth, safe, and comfortable experience for all patients seeking surgical consultation and follow-up care.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Viens ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Viens 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. Viens has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him 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. Viens do?
- Dr. Viens, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Viens?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Viens is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Viens 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Viens?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Viens 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Viens perform?
- Dr. Viens, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Viens may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Viens?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Viens 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. Viens 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. Viens perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Viens 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. Viens whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS
580 rue Bowen S
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8
Clinic Phone: (819) 346-1110
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Viens 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. Viens for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Viens's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93420