Dr. Peter Mills Ellis – Neurosurgeon | Kingston, ON

Dr. Peter Mills Ellis is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Windsor Regional Ouellette Campus in Kingston, ON, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. Dr. Ellis adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His practice is committed to utilizing advanced surgical techniques and fostering a supportive environment for patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment.

Dr. Ellis graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 32 years of experience as a Neurosurgeon since 1992, he brings extensive expertise and a deep commitment to patient care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based medicine, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and effective treatment tailored to their specific needs.

Dr. Ellis’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient safety, precision surgery, and the use of cutting-edge technology. He values multidisciplinary collaboration with colleagues across specialties to optimize outcomes and provide comprehensive post-operative care. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to guiding his patients through every step of their neurosurgical journey with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.

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

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (severe cases requiring surgery): Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, where surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be indicated if conservative treatments fail.
• 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)

• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the Brain & Spine: Tangles of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and risk rupture.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
• 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

• Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): A condition where the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer ring, potentially compressing nerves.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.

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

• Epilepsy Surgery (e.g., Temporal Lobectomy, Lesionectomy, Corpus Callosotomy - in selected cases): Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy, aimed at removing or disconnecting the seizure focus.
• Peripheral Nerve Decompression Surgery (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Release, Ulnar Nerve Decompression): Surgical procedures to relieve pressure on entrapped peripheral nerves.
• 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.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation for Chronic Pain: Placement of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to manage chronic back or limb pain.
• Cavernous Malformation Resection: Surgical removal of abnormal clusters of small blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause bleeding or seizures.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Ellis 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.

The Windsor Regional Ouellette Campus in Kingston's Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighbourhood provides an accessible and modern environment for neurosurgical care. The facility is conveniently situated near Leon’s Centre (Arena), with excellent public transit options via Kingston Transit. The building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making it straightforward for patients and visitors to attend appointments and procedures.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Ellis, 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. Ellis'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. Ellis, 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. Ellis. 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.

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. Ellis and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Ellis is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Ellis?

The treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type, size, location, and the patient's overall health. For many tumors, surgical resection (removal) by a neurosurgeon like Dr. Ellis is a primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Surgery may also be done to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Often, surgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, coordinated with oncologists and radiation oncologists.

What are some common procedures a Neurosurgeon performs?

Neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of intricate procedures. Common surgeries include craniotomies (opening the skull) for brain tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, or hematoma evacuation; spinal surgeries like laminectomies or discectomies for nerve decompression, and spinal fusions for instability; and placement of shunts for hydrocephalus. Dr. Ellis would be able to discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition. Many neurosurgeons also have subspecialty interests, such as pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or vascular neurosurgery.

Windsor Regional Ouellette Campus
76 Stuart Street Victory 3, Department of Anesthesia
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Phone: (613) 549-6666 | Fax: (613) 548-2518

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ellis 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. Ellis 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/Ellis-Peter-Mills/0042144-56122