Dr. Rachel Karen Barton – General Surgeon | Duncan, BC

Dr. Rachel Karen Barton is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Duncan and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Duncan, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She 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. The 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. Barton graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 1991 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She also maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with the latest standards in surgical care and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Barton utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, committed to delivering exceptional surgical care for patients in Duncan. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessible and compassionate service.

Dr. Rachel Barton provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Barton addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.

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. Barton.

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. Barton practices at a dedicated surgical clinic located in Duncan's medical neighborhood, providing a professional and patient-centered environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is situated near major healthcare facilities in Duncan, offering easy access for patients via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The practice emphasizes a collaborative, high-quality approach to surgical care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive management in a comfortable setting.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Barton do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Barton, 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. Barton provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Barton ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Barton 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. Barton has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Barton 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. Barton 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. Barton?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Barton 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. Barton will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Barton perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Barton 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.

3106 Gibbins Rd
Duncan, BC V9L 1E8

Clinic Phone: (250) 737-1020 | Clinic Fax: (250) 737-1022

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

Dr. Barton 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. Barton for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Barton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312430/Barton%2CRachel