Dr. Shaila Jamaluddin Merchant – General Surgeon | Kingston, ON

Dr. Shaila Jamaluddin Merchant is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Kingston and performing surgeries at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, adhering strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in 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. The surgical practice is committed to a professional, compassionate environment that prioritizes patient comfort, safety, and privacy, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery.

Dr. Merchant graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine (Canada). She has over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having been practicing since 2013. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and experience ensure she provides expert surgical care tailored to each patient's needs.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Merchant emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and minimizes surgical risks. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she strives to offer comprehensive management for all her patients. Her dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence ensures that she remains at the forefront of her field, committed to providing exceptional surgical care for residents of Kingston. She provides surgical consultations and ongoing care in English.

Dr. Shaila Merchant provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Merchant addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
• 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. Merchant addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Shaila Merchant is necessary.

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.

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. Merchant.

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. Merchant's primary clinic is located in the heart of Kingston's Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Confederation Park and is easily accessible by Kingston Transit, with nearby parking options including accessible parking spaces. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, which offers state-of-the-art facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. The location provides a safe, accessible, and patient-oriented setting for all surgical needs, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation to recovery.

Does Dr. Merchant perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Merchant 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. Merchant whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Merchant ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Merchant 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. Merchant has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Merchant?

You would typically be referred to Dr. Merchant 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Merchant perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Merchant 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. Merchant's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Merchant?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Merchant doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Merchant 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. Merchant after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Merchant do?

Dr. Merchant, 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.

Suite 102, 76 Stuart Street, Burr 2
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Clinic Phone: (613) 549-6666 | Clinic Fax: (613) 548-2500

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Merchant 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. Merchant for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Merchant's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Merchant-Shaila-Jamaluddin/0303533-105842