Dr. Mark Robert Currie Dickeson – General Surgeon | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Mark Robert Currie Dickeson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Burnaby and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Burnaby, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He has expertise in 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 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. Dickeson graduated with an MD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2004 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has earned certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high standards in surgical practice and patient safety.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Dickeson utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, serving the Burnaby community with a focus on individualized care. Dr. Dickeson provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with his patients.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Dickeson addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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 Dickeson is necessary.

• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.

Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.

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. Dickeson.

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. Dickeson's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Burnaby, situated in the Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Burnaby, which are equipped with modern facilities to ensure safe and effective care. The clinic is conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus), with ample parking available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Patients and visitors can generally find accessible parking options. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The environment is tailored to support consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care, providing a comprehensive and patient-centric experience for all visitors.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Dickeson doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Dickeson to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Dickeson after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Dickeson 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Dickeson ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Dickeson 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. Dickeson 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Dickeson?

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Dickeson perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Dickeson do?

Dr. Dickeson, 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.

101-3825 Sunset St
Burnaby, BC V5G 1T4

Clinic Phone: (604) 558-3834 | Clinic Fax: (604) 558-3835

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

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

Verify Dr. Dickeson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328085/Dickeson%2CMark