About
Dr. Nicole Robbins is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Quesnel and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Quesnel, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role encompasses 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. Her 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. Robbins graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2004. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her qualifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of surgical best practices, committed to delivering safe and effective surgical care to her patients.
With a professional philosophy centered on safety, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care, Dr. Robbins is dedicated to providing surgical services that prioritize patient well-being. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she ensures comprehensive management of each patient's unique condition. Dr. Robbins is committed to ongoing professional growth and surgical excellence, serving the community of Quesnel with a focus on quality and compassionate care. She provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English.
Dr. Nicole Robbins provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Robbins addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Robbins addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Nicole Robbins is necessary.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- 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).
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum 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. Robbins.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Robbins's primary clinic is located at a surgical clinic in Quesnel, situated within a medical neighborhood that offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities in Quesnel, accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Quesnel, ensuring comprehensive care in a familiar setting for patients.
- Does Dr. Robbins perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Robbins 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. Robbins would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Robbins?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Robbins 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. Robbins will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Robbins?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Robbins 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. Robbins will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Robbins ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Robbins 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. Robbins has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Robbins perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Robbins 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. Robbins's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Robbins?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Robbins 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Robbins do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Robbins, 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. Robbins provides comprehensive surgical management.
545 Front St, Specialists Clinic, GR Baker Hospital
Quesnel, BC V2J 2K7
Clinic Phone: (250) 985-5521 | Clinic Fax: (250) 985-5523
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Robbins is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Robbins for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Robbins's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328510/Robbins%2CNicole