Dr. Michael Patrick Coughlin – General Surgeon | Windsor, ON

Dr. Michael Patrick Coughlin is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Windsor and performing surgeries at Windsor Regional Hospital in Windsor, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Coughlin adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. He 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.

Dr. Coughlin graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 40 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1984, he brings extensive clinical expertise to his practice. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining a commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Coughlin emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Windsor, he also communicates effectively in American Sign Language, French, Gaelic, German, and Spanish, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population.

Dr. Michael Coughlin provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Coughlin addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.

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. Coughlin.

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. Coughlin practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Windsor's Downtown Windsor neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Windsor Regional Hospital. The clinic is conveniently situated near Windsor Waterfront Parks, including Dieppe Gardens and Odette Sculpture Park, and is accessible via Transit Windsor. The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. This environment fosters a professional, welcoming setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing quality and patient satisfaction.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Coughlin 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.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Coughlin do?

Dr. Coughlin, 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.

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

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

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Coughlin doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Coughlin 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. Coughlin after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Coughlin perform?

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

1030 Ouellette Ave
Windsor, ON N9A 1E1

Clinic Phone: (519) 981-1850

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

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

Verify Dr. Coughlin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Coughlin-Michael-Patrick/0026572-31395