Dr. Richard John Schwarz – General Surgeon | Chilliwack, BC

Dr. Richard John Schwarz is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Chilliwack and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Chilliwack, 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). 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 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. Schwarz graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 1986. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and has earned certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His credentials reflect a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Schwarz emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Additionally, he communicates effectively in Nepali, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population. His dedication to surgical excellence ensures that patients in Chilliwack receive compassionate, efficient, and personalized care.

Dr. Richard Schwarz provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.

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 Schwarz is necessary.

• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• 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).
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.

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. Schwarz.

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. Schwarz practices at a surgical clinic located in the Chilliwack Downtown, Central neighborhood. The clinic is situated conveniently within the city, with accessible parking options typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. Surgical procedures are usually performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, follow-up care, and surgical procedures. The location is easily accessible via the Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit), and the area is close to the Sardis Area, providing ease of access for patients from various parts of the region. The environment emphasizes patient safety, comfort, and high-quality care.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Schwarz perform?

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

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

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

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Schwarz do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Schwarz ever specialize further?

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Schwarz 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. Schwarz would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

207-9181 Main St
Chilliwack, BC V2P 4M9

Clinic Phone: (604) 792-9338 | Clinic Fax: (604) 792-4413

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

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

Verify Dr. Schwarz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304805/Schwarz%2CRichard