Dr. Peter Christopher Chong is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cranbrook and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Cranbrook, BC, 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 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. The 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. Chong graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 2004. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His comprehensive training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains at the forefront of surgical innovation and best practices, providing patients in Cranbrook with expert surgical care grounded in evidence-based medicine.
His professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Chong practices a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he aims to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence, he provides consultations and surgical care in English, fostering trust and confidence in his patients through compassionate and expert service.
Dr. Peter Chong provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chong addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chong addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Peter Chong is necessary.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
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. Chong.
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. Chong's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Cranbrook, situated conveniently within the city's medical district. The clinic offers a comfortable and professional environment for consultations, follow-up visits, and pre-surgical assessments. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern operating theaters and support services. The practice is easily accessible by public transit routes, with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a dedicated team committed to high-quality care in a safe, welcoming setting, emphasizing patient education, safety, and personalized treatment plans.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chong ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Chong 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. Chong 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chong perform?
- Dr. Chong, 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. Chong may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chong?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Chong 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Chong?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Chong 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. Chong will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Chong perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chong 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. Chong whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chong do?
- Dr. Chong, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chong?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Chong doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Chong 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. Chong after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
101-1617 Baker St
Cranbrook, BC V1C 1B4
Clinic Phone: (250) 489-3044
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chong 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. Chong for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Chong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334836/Chong%2CPeter