About
Dr. Stephen MacLeod Allen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at McMaster University Medical Centre and performing surgeries at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Allen'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.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has over 28 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1996. Dr. Allen is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification reflect his commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Allen's professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence, Dr. Allen provides consultations and surgical care primarily in English, with a focus on delivering compassionate and personalized treatment to each patient in Sault Ste. Marie.
Dr. Stephen Allen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Allen addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Allen addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Stephen Allen is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
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. Allen.
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. Allen's primary clinic is located at McMaster University Medical Centre in Sault Ste. Marie's West End, Steelton neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sault Area Hospital. The clinic is conveniently situated near Sault College and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic, with designated accessible spots. The practice offers a welcoming setting for patients seeking expert surgical evaluation and treatment in Sault Ste. Marie.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Allen?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Allen is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Allen 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Allen?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Allen doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Allen 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. Allen after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Allen ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Allen, 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.
- Does Dr. Allen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Allen 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. Allen would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Allen perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Allen 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. Allen's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Allen do?
- Dr. Allen, 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.
McMaster University Medical Centre
4E11, 240 McNabb Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1Y5
Clinic Phone: (705) 759-1234 | Clinic Fax: (705) 759-5659
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Allen 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. Allen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Allen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Allen-Stephen-MacLeod/0153848-73014