Dr. Richard Huw Lewis is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Lewis Richard H Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in North Vancouver, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Lewis's role involves 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 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. Lewis graduated with his MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1985. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and has obtained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His education and training have equipped him with the expertise to deliver safe and effective surgical care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and continuous professional development.
Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Lewis adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of each patient's condition. With a dedication to surgical excellence, he provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English to patients in North Vancouver, always prioritizing their safety, comfort, and well-being.
Dr. Richard Lewis provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Lewis addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Lewis addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- 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. Richard Lewis 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.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
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. Lewis.
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. Lewis's primary clinic, Lewis Richard H Dr, is situated within a reputable medical clinic in North Vancouver's vibrant neighborhood. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities and staffed by experienced medical teams. The location is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a positive experience for all patients seeking surgical care in North Vancouver.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Lewis do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Lewis, 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. Lewis provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Lewis?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Lewis 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. Lewis 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. Lewis?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Lewis is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Lewis will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Lewis?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Lewis 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.
- Does Dr. Lewis perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Lewis to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Lewis would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
Lewis Richard H Dr
206-135 15th St E
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2P7
Clinic Phone: (604) 980-5141 | Clinic Fax: (604) 904-4167
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Lewis 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. Lewis for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Lewis's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/307326/Lewis%2CRichard