Dr. Robin Vincent Woodhead – General Surgeon | Delta, BC

Dr. Robin Vincent Woodhead is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Delta and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Delta, 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. Woodhead 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. 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. Woodhead graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1993 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has achieved certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Woodhead emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. His dedication to surgical excellence aims to deliver optimal outcomes for patients in Delta. Dr. Woodhead provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessible and compassionate service for his community.

Dr. Robin Woodhead provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Woodhead addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Woodhead 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.
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
• 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. Robin Woodhead is necessary.

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.

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. Woodhead.

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. Woodhead's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Delta, situated in the Ladner neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Commercial Corridor, with easy access by TransLink (Bus). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the local hospitals affiliated with the clinic, which are equipped to support a variety of surgical interventions with modern operating rooms and recovery areas.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Woodhead do?

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Woodhead perform?

Dr. Woodhead, 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. Woodhead may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Woodhead ever specialize further?

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

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

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

206-4515 Harvest Dr
Delta, BC V4K 4L1

Clinic Phone: (604) 946-6500 | Clinic Fax: (604) 946-8449

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

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

Verify Dr. Woodhead's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/311122/Woodhead%2CRobin