About
Dr. Pawel Antoni Makarewicz is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Powell River and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Powell River, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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. Dr. Makarewicz's 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.
He graduated with an MD from Akademia Medyczna W Warszawie in 1975 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Additionally, he maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his practice aligns with national standards of surgical excellence and safety.
Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Makarewicz emphasizes a patient-centered approach. He ensures clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient’s condition. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Makarewicz also communicates effectively in Polish, in addition to English, to serve his diverse patient population in Powell River.
Dr. Pawel Makarewicz provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Makarewicz addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Makarewicz addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Pawel Makarewicz is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
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. Makarewicz.
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. Makarewicz's primary practice is situated at a dedicated surgical clinic in Powell River, located within a reputable medical facility in the Powell River neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped to handle a broad spectrum of surgical interventions. These facilities are conveniently accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking available nearby, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients have easy access to the facilities, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from initial consultation through recovery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Makarewicz perform?
- Dr. Makarewicz, 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. Makarewicz may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Makarewicz perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Makarewicz 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. Makarewicz would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Makarewicz?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Makarewicz 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. Makarewicz ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Makarewicz, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Makarewicz?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Makarewicz is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Makarewicz 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. Makarewicz do?
- Dr. Makarewicz, 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.
6935 Harvie Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5H9
Clinic Phone: (604) 485-0152 | Clinic Fax: (604) 485-0158
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Makarewicz 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. Makarewicz for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Makarewicz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306678/Makarewicz%2CPawel