About
Dr. Rene Lafreniere is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, adhering strictly to the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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 clinic environment is professional and patient-oriented, offering consultations and follow-up surgical care in a setting designed for comfort and privacy. Accessibility is a priority, with the clinic and affiliated hospital facilities being wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near public transportation options, including Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Parking is typically available at or near the facilities, with designated accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Dr. Lafreniere graduated with an MD and Master of Surgery (CM) from McGill University in 1977. His training and certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Lafreniere's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and reduce surgical trauma. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive management of complex conditions. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Lafreniere is dedicated to serving Calgary's diverse patient population with compassion and professionalism, continually striving to improve surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Rene Lafreniere provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Lafreniere addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Lafreniere addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Rene Lafreniere is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- 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.
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. Lafreniere.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Lafreniere's practice is based at a leading surgical clinic located in Calgary's NW neighbourhoods, including Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently situated near Calgary's Peace Bridge, accessible via public transportation options such as Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within the Calgary area. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up. Parking is generally available at or near the clinic and hospital sites, with designated accessible parking options to ensure ease of access for all patients.
- Does Dr. Lafreniere perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Lafreniere 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. Lafreniere whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Lafreniere?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Lafreniere 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. Lafreniere perform?
- Dr. Lafreniere, 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. Lafreniere may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Lafreniere do?
- Dr. Lafreniere, 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. Lafreniere?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Lafreniere doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Lafreniere 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. Lafreniere after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Lafreniere ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Lafreniere, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Clinic Phone: (403) 944-2835 | Clinic Fax: (403) 270-0671
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Lafreniere is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Lafreniere for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Lafreniere's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=726caa80-db8e-4afb-9eba-1f0c9925c356&i=808