Dr. Sanita Atwal is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in St. Albert and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in St. Albert, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her focus is on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She 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. Atwal graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1998. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Her certifications include specialty certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring her adherence to rigorous standards of surgical practice and patient safety.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Atwal utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical trauma. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on compassionate, skilled service for her patients in St. Albert.
Dr. Sanita Atwal provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Atwal addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Atwal addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Sanita Atwal is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
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. Atwal.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Atwal primarily practices at a surgical clinic located in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert, AB. The clinic is situated conveniently near Costco and is easily accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT), including local and commuter routes to Edmonton. Surgical procedures are typically 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. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking options are usually ample nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Atwal?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Atwal doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Atwal 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. Atwal after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Atwal perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Atwal 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. Atwal's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Atwal?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Atwal 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. Atwal ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Atwal, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Atwal do?
- Dr. Atwal, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.
4 St Joseph St, St. Thomas Surgical
St. Albert, AB T8N 0B5
Clinic Phone: (780) 459-6633 | Clinic Fax: (780) 459-6609
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Atwal is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Atwal for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Atwal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ae6880a5-f9d2-4c7b-8726-733ddc85d72d&i=111