Dr. Sara Margaret Kalechstein is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cranbrook and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Cranbrook, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role involves 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. Her 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.
Dr. Kalechstein graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 2008. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and credentials reflect her commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development, ensuring she remains current with the latest advances in surgical care and techniques.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Kalechstein utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Her dedication to surgical excellence benefits patients in Cranbrook and surrounding communities. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, fostering a compassionate and accessible environment for all her patients.
Dr. Sara Kalechstein provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Kalechstein addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Kalechstein addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
- 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. Sara Kalechstein is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- 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. Kalechstein.
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. Kalechstein practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the vibrant neighborhood of Cranbrook, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near major healthcare facilities, including local hospitals equipped for a wide range of surgical procedures. The facility is accessible via local public transit routes and features wheelchair-accessible entrances, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots to accommodate all patients. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and patient-centered experience for everyone seeking surgical care in Cranbrook.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Kalechstein?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Kalechstein doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Kalechstein 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. Kalechstein after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Kalechstein?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Kalechstein 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Kalechstein do?
- Dr. Kalechstein, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kalechstein?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Kalechstein 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. Kalechstein will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kalechstein perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Kalechstein 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. Kalechstein's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kalechstein ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Kalechstein, 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.
101-1617 Baker St
Cranbrook, BC V1C 1B4
Clinic Phone: (250) 489-3044 | Clinic Fax: (250) 489-2878
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Kalechstein 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. Kalechstein for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Kalechstein's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/344932/Kalechstein%2CSara