Dr. Matthew Beresford Connell – General Surgeon | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Matthew Beresford Connell is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Red Deer and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Red Deer, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Connell has extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and reduce patient discomfort. The practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, using modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 2019 and holds the necessary certifications as a General Surgeon, including specialty certification. Dr. Connell has completed comprehensive post-graduate training and is licensed to practice in Alberta, ensuring adherence to the latest surgical standards and best practices. He maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of surgical innovation and safety.

Dr. Connell's professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach to ensure each individual receives personalized treatment. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to enhance recovery and minimize surgical trauma. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence, Dr. Connell provides consultations and surgical care in English within a compassionate and professional environment.

Dr. Matthew Connell provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Connell addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Connell addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• 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. Matthew Connell is necessary.

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• 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.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.

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. Connell.

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

Dr. Connell's primary clinic is located in a modern surgical facility situated in North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green). The clinic is conveniently positioned near the Commercial Corridor, easily accessible by Red Deer Transit, with ample parking options including accessible spaces. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with advanced surgical suites. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. The location offers easy access, with parking usually available nearby, including accessible parking options for those with mobility needs.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Connell do?

Dr. Connell, 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Connell ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Connell 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. Connell 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. Connell?

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Connell perform?

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

4132 50 Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Z2

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

Dr. Connell is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Connell for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Connell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=07cb96ac-b67a-4381-845a-07ea55c37809&i=313