About
Dr. Robert James Cusimano is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic and performing surgeries at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. Dr. Cusimano's approach is rooted in skilled, compassionate care, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, with a focus on modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary, Canada, and has over 33 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1991. His extensive training and dedication are recognized through his certification as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His clinical expertise is complemented by ongoing professional development, keeping him at the forefront of surgical advances.
Dr. Cusimano is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered philosophy. He emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Toronto. Additionally, he is fluent in French and Italian, enabling him to effectively serve a diverse patient population with compassion and understanding.
Dr. Robert Cusimano provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cusimano addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cusimano 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).
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Robert Cusimano is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
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. Cusimano.
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. Cusimano's primary clinic is located at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Sugar Beach and accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Surgical procedures are typically performed at Southlake Regional Health Centre, which is equipped with modern facilities. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The environment fosters professional, patient-oriented consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless experience for all patients.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cusimano?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cusimano 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. Cusimano will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cusimano do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Cusimano, 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. Cusimano provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cusimano perform?
- Dr. Cusimano, 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. Cusimano may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Cusimano?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Cusimano doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Cusimano 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. Cusimano after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cusimano?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Cusimano 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Cusimano ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cusimano 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. Cusimano 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.
Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic
200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Clinic Phone: (416) 340-4928 | Clinic Fax: (416) 340-5069
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cusimano 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. Cusimano for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Cusimano's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cusimano-Robert-James/0040624-54600