Dr. Sarah Joy Ortega is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Vaughan and performing surgeries at Mackenzie Health Hospital in Vaughan, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 85181. Her 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.
She has earned her Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 18 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2006. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification enable her to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Ortega’s professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she aims to offer comprehensive management for her patients. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, she is committed to serving the diverse Vaughan community with dedication and surgical excellence.
Dr. Sarah Ortega provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Ortega addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- 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.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Ortega addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
- 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. Sarah Ortega is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- 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): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
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. Ortega.
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. Ortega's primary clinic is located in the Vaughan area, specifically in the Maple neighborhood, where she provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care in a professional and patient-oriented environment. The clinic is conveniently accessible, with parking available at or near the facility, including designated accessible spots. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Mackenzie Health Hospital, which is nearby and easily accessible via major transit routes, including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The hospital and clinic facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. The environment fosters a collaborative relationship between Dr. Ortega and her patients, emphasizing safety, quality, and personalized care throughout the surgical journey.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Ortega ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- Does Dr. Ortega perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Ortega do?
- Dr. Ortega, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Ortega?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Ortega doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Ortega perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Ortega?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Ortega 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.
10083 Keele Street
Vaughan, ON L6A 3Y8
Clinic Phone: (365) 418-8780 | Clinic Fax: (905) 918-0961
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Ortega 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. Ortega for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Ortega's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ortega-Sarah-Joy/0181577-85181