Dr. Roderick Henry Purzner – General Surgeon | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Roderick Henry Purzner is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Nanaimo and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Nanaimo, 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. Purzner’s focus is on 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, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 2013 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Additionally, Dr. Purzner maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His commitment to ongoing professional development ensures he remains at the forefront of surgical innovation and best practices.

Dr. Purzner’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less discomfort. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is integral to his practice, ensuring comprehensive management for each patient. Dedicated to surgical excellence in Nanaimo, Dr. Purzner provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on personalized treatment plans that prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.

Dr. Roderick Purzner provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• 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): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.

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. Purzner.

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. Purzner practices at a surgical clinic located in the heart of Nanaimo’s Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Port Theatre and is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The clinic and affiliated hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients can find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, making visits straightforward and stress-free.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Purzner do?

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Purzner 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Purzner?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Purzner 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. Purzner will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Purzner perform?

Dr. Purzner, 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. Purzner 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. Purzner?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Purzner is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Purzner 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.

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

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

1165 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B5

Clinic Phone: (250) 754-3384 | Clinic Fax: (778) 787-1888

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

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

Verify Dr. Purzner's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341759/Purzner%2CRoderick