Description
About Dr. Raafat Bushra Salih
Dr. Raafat Bushra Salih is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Southlake Regional Healthcare and performing surgeries at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Brampton, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Salih has a dedicated focus on 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. His approach is centered on providing high-quality, patient-focused care, guiding patients from initial consultation through post-operative recovery with modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Khartoum in Sudan and has accumulated over 16 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2008. Dr. Salih is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification underpin his commitment to surgical excellence and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Salih’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and personalized surgical care. He is committed to clear communication, shared decision-making, and using minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development. In addition to English, he effectively communicates in Arabic, which allows him to serve a diverse patient population in Brampton. His practice is rooted in a patient-centered approach, ensuring each individual receives compassionate and expert surgical care tailored to their needs.
Surgical Conditions Addressed by Dr. Raafat Salih
Dr. Raafat Salih provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Salih addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Salih addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Raafat Salih is necessary.
Surgical Services Offered by Dr. Raafat Bushra Salih
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- 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. Salih.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Salih practices primarily at Southlake Regional Healthcare, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Sandringham-Wellington, Heart Lake West in Brampton, ON. His surgical procedures are typically performed at Headwaters Health Care Centre, a well-equipped facility committed to patient safety and comfort. The clinic and hospital are conveniently accessible via Brampton Transit, including Züm BRT services, and are located near the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA). Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots to accommodate all patients. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. The environment fosters a professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented setting for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up surgical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Surgery
- Does Dr. Salih perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Salih 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. Salih whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Salih ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Salih 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. Salih 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. Salih do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Salih, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Salih provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Salih?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Salih 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. Salih will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Salih?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Salih if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Salih perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Salih 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. Salih's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Salih?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Salih 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. Salih will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
Clinic & Licensing Information
Southlake Regional Healthcare
2100 Bovaird Drive East
Brampton, ON L6R 3J7
Clinic Phone: (905) 494-2120
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Salih 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. Salih for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Salih's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Salih-Raafat-Bushra/0226865-83746