Dr. Shaun Mark Cowan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in St. Albert and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in St. Albert, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Cowan’s role involves 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. His 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.
Dr. Cowan graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2017. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His qualifications include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring his adherence to the rigorous standards of surgical practice in Canada.
Guided by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Cowan emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Cowan also communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population in St. Albert with compassion and skill.
Dr. Shaun Cowan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cowan 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.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cowan addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Shaun Cowan is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- 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.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
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. Cowan.
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. Cowan's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in the St. Albert neighborhood of St. Albert, AB. The clinic is conveniently situated in close proximity to Commercial Development, offering easy access via public transit, including St. Albert Transit (StAT) for local and commuter routes to Edmonton. The facility is designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and treatment areas. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in St. Albert, which also adhere to the same high standards of accessibility and patient care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment fosters a professional and patient-oriented setting for consultations, pre-surgical assessments, and follow-up care.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cowan?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cowan 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. Cowan will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Cowan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Cowan to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Cowan would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cowan?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Cowan 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. Cowan ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cowan 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. Cowan 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cowan perform?
- Dr. Cowan, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Cowan may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cowan do?
- Dr. Cowan, 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.
4 St Joseph St, 8440 - 112 ST NW
St. Albert, AB T8N 7J6
Clinic Phone: (780) 459-6633 | Clinic Fax: (780) 459-6609
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cowan 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. Cowan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Cowan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e3b10b90-f6f5-4356-8645-4e797415434e&i=323