Dr. Philippe David Allen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Penticton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Penticton, 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). Dr. Allen's focus is on providing thorough, compassionate care for his patients, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery. 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 practice is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in a professional and comfortable environment, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to achieve the best outcomes.
Dr. Allen graduated with his MD from the University of Toronto in 2007. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training includes extensive postgraduate surgical education and commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with surgical innovations and best practices.
His professional philosophy is rooted in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Allen emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, ensuring they are well-informed about their treatment options. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries and works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, Dr. Allen is committed to offering compassionate, personalized care to the community of Penticton, providing consultations and surgical care primarily in English.
Dr. Philippe Allen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Allen addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Allen addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- 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. Philippe Allen is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
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. Allen.
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. Allen's surgical practice is located at a dedicated clinic in Penticton, situated in the vibrant Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Cascades Casino, easily accessible via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). Patients can expect a welcoming environment designed for comfort and privacy, with wheelchair accessible facilities. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Penticton, which are equipped with modern operating suites. Patients and visitors can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice offers a professional and patient-oriented setting for consultations, surgical assessments, and follow-up care, emphasizing personalized attention and high-quality service.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Allen?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Allen will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Allen?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Allen is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Allen 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Allen perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Allen 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. Allen's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen do?
- Dr. Allen, 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.
- Does Dr. Allen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Allen 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. Allen whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Allen ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Allen 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. Allen 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.
101-550 Carmi Ave
Penticton, BC V2A 3G6
Clinic Phone: (250) 493-7944 | Clinic Fax: (250) 493-7964
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Allen 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. Allen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Allen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337245/Allen%2CPhilippe