About
Dr. Matthew Laviolette is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Sault Ste. Marie and performing surgeries at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the highest standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Laviolette 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 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.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Canada. With over 5 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2019, he has developed a broad skill set tailored to meet the diverse needs of his patients. Dr. Laviolette is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing education.
Dr. Laviolette’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He values a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and reduce surgical trauma. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management is a cornerstone of his practice, and he is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Laviolette is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality surgical care to the community of Sault Ste. Marie. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Matthew Laviolette provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Laviolette addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Laviolette addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
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 Laviolette is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
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. Laviolette.
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. Laviolette primarily practices at a surgical clinic located in the West End of Sault Ste. Marie, in the Steelton neighborhood. The clinic is situated conveniently near Major Arterial Road, with accessible public transportation options via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sault Area Hospital, which offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Parking is generally available at or near both the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The practice provides a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring patients receive personalized attention throughout their surgical journey.
- Does Dr. Laviolette perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Laviolette 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. Laviolette whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Laviolette ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Laviolette, 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Laviolette perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Laviolette 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. Laviolette's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Laviolette do?
- Dr. Laviolette, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Laviolette?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Laviolette 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Laviolette?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Laviolette 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. Laviolette will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Laviolette?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Laviolette 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. Laviolette will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
240 McNabb Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1Y5
Clinic Phone: (705) 759-1234
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Laviolette 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. Laviolette for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Laviolette's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Laviolette-Matthew/0295324-103656