Dr. Suleena Kristy Duhaime – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Suleena Kristy Duhaime is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Toronto Western Hospital and performing surgeries at Hopital Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, 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. Dr. Duhaime’s 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.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in her field. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of surgical practice, offering her patients the most current and effective treatment options available.

Dr. Duhaime’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, she aims to optimize recovery and minimize discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Duhaime effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Ottawa, ensuring everyone receives thorough, compassionate care.

Dr. Suleena Duhaime provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
• 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. Suleena Duhaime is necessary.

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.

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. Duhaime.

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. Duhaime's primary clinic is located at Toronto Western Hospital in Ottawa's vibrant Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, near the ByWard Market. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hopital Montfort Hospital, which is easily accessible and equipped with modern surgical facilities. The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and privacy for all patients. The location is conveniently accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus services), with parking available at or near the hospital and clinic, including designated accessible spots. The area is close to Embassy Row, making it an ideal location for patients from various parts of Ottawa seeking expert surgical care. Parking options are generally available and designed to accommodate patient needs, with easy access to public transportation and parking facilities.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Duhaime perform?

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

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Duhaime is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Duhaime 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.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Duhaime is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Duhaime will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Duhaime ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Duhaime 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. Duhaime has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her 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. Duhaime?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Duhaime 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.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Duhaime do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Duhaime, 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. Duhaime provides comprehensive surgical management.

Toronto Western Hospital
8E - 471, 201-168 Charlotte St, Department of Dermatology
Ottawa, ON K1N 8K6

Clinic Phone: (613) 241-3013 | Clinic Fax: (613) 241-4482

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

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

Verify Dr. Duhaime's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Duhaime-Suleena-Kristy/0243276-87017