About
Dr. Smita Chackungal is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Big Thunder Orthopedics and performing surgeries at Grey Bruce Health Services Hospital in Owen Sound, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high 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. Her approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques within a collaborative environment.
Dr. Chackungal graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013, she has developed a broad and deep expertise in her field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice meets rigorous professional standards. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advances in surgical care and techniques.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Chackungal is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she strives to deliver comprehensive and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Chackungal is committed to ongoing professional excellence and surgical innovation to serve the community of Owen Sound with the highest standards of care. She provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English.
Dr. Smita Chackungal provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chackungal addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chackungal addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- 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. Smita Chackungal is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
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. Chackungal.
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. Chackungal's primary clinic is located at Big Thunder Orthopedics in Owen Sound, ON, within a well-equipped, accessible medical facility in the neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Grey Bruce Health Services Hospital, which is conveniently situated nearby, providing state-of-the-art surgical suites and post-operative care facilities. The clinic and hospital are easily accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Both the clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy, fostering a safe and supportive environment for all patients and visitors.
- Does Dr. Chackungal perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chackungal 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. Chackungal whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chackungal ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Chackungal, 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Chackungal?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Chackungal 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. Chackungal will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chackungal?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Chackungal doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Chackungal 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. Chackungal after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chackungal do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Chackungal, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Chackungal provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chackungal?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Chackungal 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. Chackungal perform?
- Dr. Chackungal, 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. Chackungal may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
Big Thunder Orthopedics
Suite 206, 1800 8th Street East
Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9
Clinic Phone: (519) 376-2121
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chackungal 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. Chackungal for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Chackungal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chackungal-Smita/0242382-86589