Dr. Michel Gagner is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Centre médical Westmount Square, located in a reputable medical clinic in Westmount, QC, he performs surgeries at affiliated local hospitals within the community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a professional and compassionate environment. The clinic and hospital facilities are conveniently accessible, equipped to ensure patient comfort, privacy, and safety. Dr. Gagner’s approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans, leveraging modern surgical techniques to optimize recovery and outcomes for each patient.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 36 years of experience practicing as a General Surgeon since 1988. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), license number 83351. His professional credentials reflect a commitment to surgical excellence and adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in Canada.
Dr. Gagner’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 enhance recovery and minimize discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, Dr. Gagner maintains a focus on surgical innovation and excellence. He is also committed to serving the Westmount community, offering consultations and surgical care in both English and French, to ensure accessible and compassionate service for all his patients.
Dr. Michel Gagner provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Gagner addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Gagner addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Michel Gagner is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- 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).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
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. Gagner.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Gagner's primary practice is situated at the Centre médical Westmount Square, a well-equipped medical facility located in the vibrant Westmount neighborhood of Montreal. The clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities, making it easily accessible for patients from Westmount and surrounding areas. It is accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment designed to ensure comfort, privacy, and efficient care. Patients can expect a dedicated team committed to high standards of safety and personalized attention, from initial consultation through to post-operative follow-up. The facility is fully equipped to support a wide range of surgical consultations and minor procedures, with close collaboration with affiliated hospitals for any required surgical interventions.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagner?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagner 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Gagner perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Gagner 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. Gagner's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Gagner?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Gagner doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Gagner 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. Gagner after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Gagner do?
- Dr. Gagner, 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. Gagner perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Gagner 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. Gagner whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Gagner?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Gagner is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Gagner 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Gagner ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Gagner 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. Gagner 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.
Centre médical Westmount Square
801-1 Westmount Square
Westmount, QC H3Z 2P9
Clinic Phone: (514) 922-5055 | Clinic Fax: (888) 676-4460
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Gagner is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Gagner for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Gagner's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=83351