About
Dr. Sarah Morrissey is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a leading hospital and surgical clinic in Edmonton, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is rooted in skilled and compassionate care, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused treatment from initial consultation through post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Morrissey graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in 2009. Following this, she completed extensive residency and fellowship training, gaining over 10 years of experience as a general surgeon since 2014. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta, including licensure from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Morrissey is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Additionally, she communicates effectively in French and English, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population in Edmonton with compassion and understanding.
Dr. Sarah Morrissey provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Morrissey addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- 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.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Morrissey addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
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 Morrissey is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- 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. Morrissey.
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. Morrissey operates at a surgical clinic associated with a major hospital in Edmonton, AB. The practice environment is designed to be professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented, with a focus on providing comprehensive surgical care. The clinic is conveniently located near the University Hospital, accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and equipped for patient comfort and privacy. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The practice offers a seamless integration with hospital services for pre-operative assessments and post-operative care, ensuring a coordinated approach to each patient's surgical journey.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Morrissey?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Morrissey 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. Morrissey will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Morrissey ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Morrissey, 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. Morrissey do?
- Dr. Morrissey, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Morrissey perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Morrissey 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. Morrissey's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Morrissey?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Morrissey 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.
- Does Dr. Morrissey perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Morrissey 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. Morrissey whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Morrissey?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Morrissey doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Morrissey 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. Morrissey after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
124 Meadowlark Shopping Ctr NO
Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9
Clinic Phone: (780) 347-0656 | Clinic Fax: (780) 401-3126
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Morrissey 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. Morrissey for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Morrissey's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a356fc48-0cbb-4875-a1a4-26d6d5c02e10&i=1014