About
Dr. Sante Joseph Fratesi is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Sault Ste. Marie and performing surgeries at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Fratesi has a dedicated focus 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. His approach is patient-centered, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and personalized care. The surgical practice is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Canada) and has accumulated over 45 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1979. Dr. Fratesi is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in surgical practice.
Dr. Fratesi’s professional philosophy centers around providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize discomfort and improve recovery times. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, Dr. Fratesi continually pursues ongoing professional development. Additionally, he communicates effectively in Italian, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population in Sault Ste. Marie.
Dr. Sante Fratesi provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Fratesi addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Fratesi addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- 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.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Sante Fratesi is necessary.
- 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.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
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. Fratesi.
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. Fratesi's primary practice is located at a surgical clinic in Sault Ste. Marie's West End, Steelton neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Major Arterial Road, with accessibility via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sault Area Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to providing high-quality surgical care in a safe and patient-focused setting.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Fratesi?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Fratesi 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Fratesi perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Fratesi 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. Fratesi's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Does Dr. Fratesi perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Fratesi 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. Fratesi whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Fratesi ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Fratesi, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Fratesi?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Fratesi doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Fratesi 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. Fratesi after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Fratesi do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Fratesi, 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. Fratesi provides comprehensive surgical management.
240 McNabb Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1Y5
Clinic Phone: (705) 541-2315 | Clinic Fax: (705) 759-5659
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Fratesi 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. Fratesi for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Fratesi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Fratesi-Sante-Joseph/0022578-27368