Dr. Renee Melanie Hanrahan – General Surgeon | Barrie, ON

Dr. Renee Melanie Hanrahan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Humber River Hospital and performing surgeries at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital in Barrie, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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 surgical 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.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine (Canada) and has accumulated over 17 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2007. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice meets rigorous professional standards.

Dr. Hanrahan is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Her approach emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients, ensuring they are well-informed about their treatment options. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to manage complex cases comprehensively. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, she provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English for patients in Barrie and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Renee Hanrahan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Hanrahan addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

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

• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.

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. Hanrahan.

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. Hanrahan's primary clinic is located at Humber River Hospital in Barrie's Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations and follow-up care, with easy access via Highway 400 and Barrie Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, which is equipped to handle a wide range of surgical cases. Convenient parking options are usually available near the surgical practice, including accessible parking for patients. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all patients.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Hanrahan 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Hanrahan ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Hanrahan 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. Hanrahan 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.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hanrahan do?

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Hanrahan perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Hanrahan 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. Hanrahan's areas of focus within general surgery.

Humber River Hospital
1 Quarry Ridge Road
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

Clinic Phone: (705) 735-9300 | Clinic Fax: (705) 735-9391

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

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

Verify Dr. Hanrahan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hanrahan-Renee-Melanie/0194464-77689