Dr. Sin Huey Cheah – General Surgeon | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Sin Huey Cheah is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Nanaimo and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Nanaimo, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Cheah 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, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 2003 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Dr. Cheah has obtained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming his expertise and commitment to surgical excellence. His professional development includes ongoing education and training to stay abreast of the latest advancements in surgical care.

Dr. Cheah's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize patient discomfort and promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Cheah is committed to comprehensive patient management. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence ensures that patients in Nanaimo receive the highest standard of surgical care. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Sin Cheah provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Cheah addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Cheah addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• 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.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.

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. Cheah.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Cheah's primary practice is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Nanaimo, situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Bastion and is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cheah?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cheah 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. Cheah will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cheah do?

Dr. Cheah, 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.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Cheah 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cheah ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cheah 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. Cheah 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. Cheah perform?

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

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Cheah 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. Cheah would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

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

305-1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4

Clinic Phone: (778) 441-3001 | Clinic Fax: (778) 441-3002

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

Dr. Cheah is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Cheah for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Cheah's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/363176/Cheah%2CSin%20Huey