Dr. Melissa Nicole Hanson – General Surgeon | Guelph, ON

Dr. Melissa Nicole Hanson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Guelph and performing surgeries at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Guelph, 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. The clinic's environment 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. Hanson graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 4 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2020, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and commitment to ongoing professional development ensure that she remains at the forefront of surgical innovation and best practices.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Hanson emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Her dedication to surgical excellence aims to deliver the highest quality of care for patients in Guelph. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Melissa Hanson provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• 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).
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.

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. Hanson.

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. Hanson’s primary surgical clinic is located in the Guelph's Grange Road Area, Victoria North neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Stone Road Mall and is easily accessible via Guelph Transit, with ample parking options including accessible parking. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care. Patients can expect a welcoming, professional setting dedicated to high-quality surgical care.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Hanson ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Hanson, 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. Hanson perform?

Dr. Hanson, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Hanson may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hanson do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Hanson, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Hanson provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Hanson if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.

UNIT # 5, 115 Delhi Street
Guelph, ON N1E 4J8

Clinic Phone: (519) 837-6440

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

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

Verify Dr. Hanson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hanson-Melissa-Nicole/0295300-103923