Dr. Melinda Anne Maggisano – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Melinda Anne Maggisano is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Humber River Hospital and performing surgeries at Humber River 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, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Maggisano graduated with a Medical Degree from University of Dublin Trinity College (Ireland). She has over 7 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having started her practice in 2017. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification underpin her commitment to surgical excellence and evidence-based practice, ensuring her patients receive the best possible care.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Dr. Maggisano utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduced discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her goal is to deliver compassionate, high-quality surgical care for patients across Toronto.

Dr. Melinda Maggisano provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Maggisano addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• 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. Maggisano.

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. Maggisano's primary clinic is located at Humber River Hospital in Toronto's Lawrence Manor and Lawrence Heights neighborhoods. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Humber River Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating rooms and outpatient facilities. The clinic and hospital are conveniently accessible via public transit, with proximity to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and accessible by TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. This creates a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Maggisano ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Maggisano, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Maggisano?

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

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

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

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

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Maggisano doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Maggisano to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Maggisano after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Maggisano 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.

Humber River Hospital
960 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6A 3B6

Clinic Phone: (416) 782-2616 | Clinic Fax: (416) 782-5899

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

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

Verify Dr. Maggisano's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Maggisano-Melinda-Anne/0273346-96287