About
Dr. Sayf Shawqi George Gazala is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in East York and performing surgeries at North York General Hospital in East York, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Gazala adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. He has expertise in 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. The surgical 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.
He is a graduate with a Medical Degree from the University of Al-Mustansiriyah College of Medicine in Iraq. With over 9 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2015, Dr. Gazala is well-trained in a variety of surgical procedures. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and adherence to Canadian standards of surgical practice.
Dr. Gazala’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to facilitate quicker recovery and reduce patient discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient’s condition. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Gazala also communicates effectively in Arabic, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population in East York.
Dr. Sayf Gazala provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Gazala addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Gazala addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Sayf Gazala is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
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. Gazala.
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. Gazala practices primarily at a well-equipped surgical clinic located in East York, offering a comfortable and accessible environment for consultations, assessments, and follow-up care. The clinic is situated in a convenient neighborhood close to major healthcare facilities, including North York General Hospital, which serves as the primary site for surgical procedures. Patients can access the clinic easily via local public transit routes, with ample parking options typically available nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment dedicated to high-quality, patient-centered care. Whether for initial consultation, pre-operative assessment, or post-operative follow-up, Dr. Gazala provides a professional and compassionate approach tailored to each patient's individual needs.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Gazala?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Gazala doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Gazala perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Gazala?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Gazala?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Gazala is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Gazala will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
825 Coxwell Avenue
East York, ON M4C 3E7
Clinic Phone: (647) 349-9300 | Clinic Fax: (416) 469-6834
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Gazala's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gazala-Sayf-Shawqi-George/0285960-100093