Dr. Priscilla Pui Lam Chiu – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Priscilla Pui Lam Chiu is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Toronto and performing surgeries at Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining her license with the CPSO (license number 63794). Her 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. Chiu has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having practiced since 2002. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Throughout her career, Dr. Chiu has committed herself to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, ensuring her patients receive the most current and effective treatment options available.

Dr. Chiu's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making to empower her patients. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and better cosmetic outcomes. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she ensures comprehensive management of her patients' health. Additionally, Dr. Chiu is dedicated to serving a diverse patient population, communicating fluently in English, Cantonese, and Chinese, to facilitate understanding and comfort for her patients in Toronto.

Dr. Priscilla Chiu provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Chiu addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Chiu addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Priscilla Chiu is necessary.

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.

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. Chiu.

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. Chiu practices at a modern surgical clinic located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, conveniently situated near the University of Toronto's St. George Campus south edge. The clinic is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Hospital For Sick Children, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Both the clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can usually find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment at both locations emphasizes professionalism, patient comfort, and comprehensive care, providing a welcoming setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chiu perform?

Dr. Chiu, 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. Chiu may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chiu ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her 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. Chiu do?

Dr. Chiu, 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. Chiu?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Chiu 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.

Suite 101, 555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Clinic Phone: (416) 813-6405 | Clinic Fax: (416) 813-7477

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

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

Verify Dr. Chiu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chiu-Priscilla-Pui-Lam/0049816-63794