Dr. Mark Edward Charles Sawatzky – General Surgeon | Penticton, BC

Dr. Mark Edward Charles Sawatzky is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sawatzky Mark Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Penticton, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Sawatzky's focus is on 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 rooted in providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Sawatzky graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 2002 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has obtained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Sawatzky is dedicated to comprehensive patient management and continually strives for surgical excellence for residents and visitors in Penticton. He provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, ensuring patients are well-informed throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Mark Sawatzky provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Sawatzky addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.

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. Sawatzky.

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. Sawatzky practices primarily at his clinic, Sawatzky Mark Dr, situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Penticton's Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata Bench (Rural South). The clinic is conveniently located near Cascades Casino and accessible via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The facility and affiliated hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. The practice environment provides a professional, welcoming space for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing patient safety and personalized attention.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Sawatzky ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Sawatzky 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. Sawatzky 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sawatzky perform?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Sawatzky 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sawatzky?

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

Sawatzky Mark Dr
101-550 Carmi Ave
Penticton, BC V2A 3G6

Clinic Phone: (250) 493-3633 | Clinic Fax: (250) 493-3622

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

Dr. Sawatzky 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. Sawatzky for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Sawatzky's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333342/Sawatzky%2CMark