Dr. Peter Sytnik – General Surgeon | Hearst, ON

Dr. Peter Sytnik is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Winchester District Memorial Hospital and performing surgeries at Hopital Notre-Dame Hospital (Hearst) in Hearst, 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). 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. Sytnik graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba (Canada). With over 6 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2018, he has developed a broad skill set in various surgical disciplines. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards and ongoing surgical excellence.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sytnik emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development. His practice is committed to delivering high-quality surgical care to the residents of Hearst, with consultations and post-operative care available in English. The practice environment is designed to prioritize patient comfort, safety, and privacy at all stages of care.

Dr. Peter Sytnik provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Sytnik addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

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 Sytnik is necessary.

• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.

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. Sytnik.

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. Sytnik's primary practice is located within the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, which serves the Hearst community and surrounding areas. The clinic is situated in a medical facility close to major healthcare services, ensuring seamless integration with hospital-based surgical procedures at Hopital Notre-Dame Hospital in Hearst. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can easily access the clinic via local public transit routes, with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The practice environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to providing comprehensive surgical consultations and follow-up care in a patient-centered setting.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sytnik perform?

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

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Sytnik?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Sytnik doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Sytnik 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. Sytnik after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Sytnik 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. Sytnik ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Sytnik 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. Sytnik 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Sytnik do?

Dr. Sytnik, 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.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Sytnik is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Sytnik 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.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Sytnik 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. Sytnik whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

Winchester District Memorial Hospital
1405 Edward Street
Hearst, ON P0L 1N0

Clinic Phone: (705) 372-0072

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

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

Verify Dr. Sytnik's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sytnik-Peter/0313677-111151