Dr. Michael Thomas Meschino – General Surgeon | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Michael Thomas Meschino is a skilled General Surgeon, practicing in Kitchener, ON. He specializes in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Practicing at the Hospital for Sick Children and performing surgeries at Grand River Hospital Corporation, Dr. Meschino adheres to the rigorous standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His focus is on 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 a professional, compassionate environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to patient health.

Dr. Meschino graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over three years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2021, he has developed a strong foundation in surgical practice. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of medical and surgical care.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Meschino is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Meschino’s goal is to deliver outstanding surgical care to the community of Kitchener, always prioritizing patient safety and well-being. He provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Meschino addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.

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 Meschino is necessary.

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.

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. Meschino.

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. Meschino's primary clinic is located at the Hospital for Sick Children in Kitchener's Forest Heights and Forest Hill neighborhoods. The clinic offers a professional and patient-focused environment for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Grand River Hospital Corporation, which is equipped with modern facilities and advanced surgical suites. The hospital is conveniently situated near Doon Heritage Village and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking is usually available nearby, with accessible options for those with mobility needs. The practice emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring patients feel confident and well cared for throughout their surgical journey.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Meschino is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Meschino 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Meschino do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Meschino, 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. Meschino provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Meschino ever specialize further?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Meschino 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Meschino perform?

Dr. Meschino, 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. Meschino may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Hospital for Sick Children
409-564 Belmont Ave W, Department of Emergency Medicine
Kitchener, ON N2M 5N6

Clinic Phone: (519) 584-0180 | Clinic Fax: (519) 584-0182

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

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

Verify Dr. Meschino's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Meschino-Michael-Thomas/0310915-109073