About
Dr. Marni Riata Heed is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Maple Ridge and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Maple Ridge, 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). 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. Her approach is focused on providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Heed graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1996 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice remains aligned with the latest standards and innovations in surgical care.
Her professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Heed utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and ongoing care in English, with a focus on optimizing patient outcomes in Maple Ridge.
Dr. Marni Heed provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Heed addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- 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.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Heed addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- 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. Marni Heed is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- 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. Heed.
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. Heed's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Maple Ridge, situated in the vibrant Central Maple Ridge neighborhood of Haney. The clinic is conveniently accessible and offers a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Maple Ridge, equipped with modern facilities to ensure patient safety and comfort. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient privacy and ease of access. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic’s proximity to landmarks such as Memorial Peace Park and accessibility via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express) make it a convenient choice for residents of Maple Ridge seeking expert surgical care.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Heed ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Heed, 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.
- Does Dr. Heed perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Heed 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. Heed would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Heed?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Heed 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Heed?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Heed 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. Heed will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Heed?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Heed is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Heed 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. Heed do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Heed, 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. Heed provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Heed perform?
- Dr. Heed, 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. Heed may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
600-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd
Maple Ridge, BC V2X 5Z6
Clinic Phone: (604) 476-1855 | Clinic Fax: (604) 476-1850
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Heed 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. Heed for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Heed's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324130/Heed%2CMarni