Dr. Rafik Ramzy Abdel-Malik Ghali – General Surgeon | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Rafik Ramzy Abdel-Malik Ghali is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Corktown Medical Centre and performing surgeries at Niagara Health System Hospital in St Catharines, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Ghali’s focus is on providing thorough and compassionate care, ensuring each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes safety, efficacy, and comfort. 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. His approach emphasizes a combination of modern surgical techniques and a collaborative, patient-centered philosophy, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery.

Dr. Ghali graduated with a Medical Degree from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. With over 17 years of experience as a General Surgeon, he has been practicing since 2007. His extensive clinical background is complemented by key certifications, including recognition as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). This professional accreditation underscores his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Ghali adopts a patient-centered approach that emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in both English and Arabic, Dr. Ghali is committed to serving a diverse community in St. Catharines, always prioritizing patient safety, surgical excellence, and compassionate care.

Dr. Rafik Ghali provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Ghali addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.

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. Ghali.

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. Ghali's primary clinic is located at Corktown Medical Centre in the vibrant neighborhood of St Catharines, ON. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations and follow-up care, with easy access to modern facilities designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which is conveniently situated nearby, providing state-of-the-art surgical suites and comprehensive inpatient services. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for all patients. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The entire practice is committed to offering a high standard of care in a safe, accessible, and patient-focused setting, emphasizing thorough communication, personalized treatment, and ongoing support.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Ghali 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Ghali?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Ghali do?

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

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

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

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

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

Corktown Medical Centre
Unit 1, 212-245 Pelham Road
St Catharines, ON L2S 1X8

Clinic Phone: (905) 732-6660 | Clinic Fax: (905) 984-8393

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

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

Verify Dr. Ghali's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/AbdelMalik-Ghali-Rafik-Ramzy/0249580-89356