Dr. Nathan Richard Zilbert – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Nathan Richard Zilbert is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital and performing surgeries at Trillium Health Partners Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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 surgical 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. Zilbert graduated with a Medical Degree from New York University School of Medicine in the United States. With over 8 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2016, he has developed a broad and refined skill set in surgical care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His ongoing commitment to professional excellence ensures that patients receive the most current and effective surgical treatments available.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Zilbert emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Zilbert is committed to delivering exceptional surgical care for patients in Toronto. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessibility and understanding for his diverse patient population.

Dr. Nathan Zilbert provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

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

• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• 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): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor 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. Zilbert.

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. Zilbert's primary clinic is located at The Ottawa Hospital in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Trillium Health Partners Hospital. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice is situated close to Toronto Police HQ and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment provides a professional and patient-oriented setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Zilbert perform?

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

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

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

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Zilbert 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. Zilbert whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Zilbert 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Zilbert ever specialize further?

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

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

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

The Ottawa Hospital
190 Sherway Drive, Suite 412, Department of Diagnostic Radiology
Toronto, ON M5G 2N2

Clinic Phone: (416) 621-3551 | Clinic Fax: (416) 621-3335

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

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

Verify Dr. Zilbert's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zilbert-Nathan-Richard/0258489-90902