Dr. Peter Benjamin Dirks – Neurosurgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Peter Benjamin Dirks is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Dundas Medical Center in Toronto, ON, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. His practice is committed to adhering to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective neurosurgical care. Dr. Dirks provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans and compassionate patient engagement, utilizing advanced surgical techniques to optimize outcomes and support recovery.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurosurgeon since 1998, accumulating over 26 years of experience in the field. Dr. Dirks is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to excellence in neurosurgical care. His extensive training and ongoing professional development enable him to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and surgical innovations in neurosurgery.

Dr. Dirks’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, precision in surgical techniques, and the utilization of cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal results. He values multidisciplinary collaboration, working closely with radiologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists to provide holistic care. Dedicated to serving the Toronto community, he also speaks French in addition to English, allowing him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population. His approach is rooted in compassion, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to improving his patients’ quality of life through expert neurosurgical intervention.

Dr. Peter Dirks surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Peter Dirks.

• Non-Operative Management of Select Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing conservative management options when surgery is not immediately indicated, including observation, medication management referrals, and pain management strategies.
• Interpretation of Advanced Neuroimaging (MRI, CT, Angiography, Myelography): Expert analysis of specialized imaging of the brain, spinal cord, and vasculature to guide diagnosis and surgical decision-making.
• Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping & Coiling (Endovascular coiling often with Interventional Neuroradiology): Surgical or endovascular treatment to secure brain aneurysms and prevent rupture or re-rupture.
• Cavernous Malformation Resection: Surgical removal of abnormal clusters of small blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause bleeding or seizures.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) Planning & Coordination: Collaborating with radiation oncologists for non-invasive, highly focused radiation treatment for brain tumors, AVMs, and other neurological conditions.
• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) & Dural Fistula Treatment (Surgical Resection, Embolization, Radiosurgery Coordination): Multimodal approaches to treat abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord.
• Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Dirks for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dundas Medical Center is situated in Toronto's vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, a hub of medical and scientific innovation. The practice is conveniently located near Little Italy and the MaRS Discovery District, offering easy access for patients from across the city. Public transit options are plentiful, with the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) serving the area extensively. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexibility and convenience for visitors seeking expert neurosurgical care in Toronto.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Dirks, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Dirks, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Dirks's office, the hospital's financial services, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Dirks, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Dirks. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

Does Dr. Dirks perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Dirks, utilize minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques when appropriate for the patient's condition. These techniques involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often advanced imaging guidance, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. You should ask Dr. Dirks if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

What is recovery like after neurosurgery?

Recovery from neurosurgery varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, the underlying condition being treated, and the individual patient's overall health. It can range from a few weeks for some minimally invasive spine procedures to several months or longer for major brain or complex spine surgeries. Recovery often involves a hospital stay, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation, which may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Dr. Dirks and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

What does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Dirks specialize in?

A Neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrovascular system (blood vessels of the brain and spine), and peripheral nerves. He is a Neurosurgeon specializing in surgical treatment of the brain, spine, and nerves. Dr. Dirks performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.

What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Dirks will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What types of spine problems does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Dirks treat surgically?

Neurosurgeons like Dr. Dirks who specialize in spine surgery treat a variety of conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low-back) spine. These can include herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), spinal fractures due to trauma, spinal tumors, and spinal deformities. Surgical procedures aim to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove tumors.

Dundas Medical Center
Suite 306, 555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6426 | Fax: (416) 813-4975

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dirks is a licensed Neurosurgeon 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 appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Dirks for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Dirks-Peter-Benjamin/0046725-60703