Dr. Mary-Anne Wilhelmina Aarts – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Mary-Anne Wilhelmina Aarts is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at North Burlington Medical Centre and performing surgeries at Providence Health Care Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The surgical 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. Aarts graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. She has over 19 years of experience as a General Surgeon, practicing since 2005. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and years of clinical experience ensure she provides expert surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Her professional philosophy is centered on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Aarts emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Her dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence ensures that patients in Toronto receive the highest standard of surgical care. She provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, committed to making every patient's journey as comfortable and informed as possible.

Dr. Mary-Anne Aarts provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Aarts 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): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.

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. Aarts.

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. Aarts's primary clinic is located at North Burlington Medical Centre in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale and Roncesvalles neighborhoods. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations, screening, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Providence Health Care Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating theatres and patient amenities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The location is conveniently accessible via public transportation, including TTC services such as subway, streetcar, and bus routes, with nearby parking options, including accessible parking. Patients can expect a patient-oriented approach in a setting that prioritizes safety, privacy, and personalized care.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Aarts ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Aarts 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. Aarts has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her 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. Aarts perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Aarts 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.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Aarts 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. Aarts would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Aarts 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. Aarts will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

North Burlington Medical Centre
Suite 18, 30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON M6R 1B5

Clinic Phone: (416) 461-8363 | Clinic Fax: (416) 461-8466

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

Dr. Aarts 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. Aarts for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Aarts's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Aarts-MaryAnne-Wilhelmina/0150146-72374