Dr. Martin Sheldon Friedlich – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Martin Sheldon Friedlich is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Ottawa and performing surgeries at Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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. The 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. Friedlich graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. With over 27 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1997, he has established a reputation for surgical excellence. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Friedlich is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management for his patients. Dedicated to surgical excellence, he provides consultations and surgical care in English, aiming to deliver compassionate and personalized treatment to each patient in Ottawa.

Dr. Martin Friedlich provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• 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. Friedlich addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
• 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).

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• 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.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• 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. Friedlich.

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

Dr. Friedlich's primary clinic is located in a reputable surgical clinic in Ottawa, situated in the neighborhoods of Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge. The clinic is conveniently accessible via public transportation, including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at Ottawa Hospital, which offers modern, fully equipped facilities. Both the clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The environment fosters a professional and patient-oriented experience, ensuring that consultations, follow-up care, and post-surgical recovery are managed in a comfortable setting.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Friedlich 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Friedlich do?

Dr. Friedlich, 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.

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

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

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Friedlich is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Friedlich 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Friedlich perform?

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

Suite 407, 501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Clinic Phone: (613) 739-6650

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

Dr. Friedlich is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Friedlich for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Friedlich's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Friedlich-Martin-Sheldon/0050079-64058