Dr. Pankaj Bhatia – General Surgeon | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Pankaj Bhatia is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Brockville General Hospital and performing surgeries at Health Sciences North Hospital in Sudbury, 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). Dr. Bhatia’s 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 high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has over 14 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2010. Dr. Bhatia is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience support his commitment to surgical excellence and evidence-based practice.

Dr. Bhatia’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and personalized surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence ensures that patients in Sudbury receive the highest standard of surgical care. Dr. Bhatia provides consultations and surgical care in English, with a focus on patient safety and satisfaction.

Dr. Pankaj Bhatia provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• 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. Pankaj Bhatia is necessary.

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).

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. Bhatia.

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. Bhatia's primary clinic is located at Brockville General Hospital in Sudbury's Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, and Ramsey Lake Area neighborhoods. The clinic serves as a convenient and accessible point of care for patients requiring surgical consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Health Sciences North Hospital, which is equipped with modern facilities to ensure patient safety and comfort. The clinic and hospital are situated near major landmarks such as Costco, with access via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Parking is generally available at or near both locations, including designated accessible spots. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a professional, welcoming environment for all patients. Whether for initial consultation, pre-operative assessment, or post-operative follow-up, Dr. Bhatia’s practice emphasizes patient comfort, privacy, and comprehensive care.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Bhatia perform?

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

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Bhatia 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Bhatia ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Bhatia, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.

Brockville General Hospital
41 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1

Clinic Phone: (705) 523-7100 | Clinic Fax: (705) 673-7330

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

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

Verify Dr. Bhatia's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bhatia-Pankaj/0219908-83157