Dr. Susan Diane Hobden – General Surgeon | Brockville, ON

Dr. Susan Diane Hobden is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario and performing surgeries at Brockville General Hospital in Brockville, 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. Hobden’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 Queen's University in Canada and has accumulated over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2002. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification underpin her commitment to delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care.

Dr. Hobden’s professional philosophy centers on providing a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her goal is to offer exemplary surgical care to the Brockville community, always prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction. She provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Susan Hobden provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Hobden addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

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

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• 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).
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• 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): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.

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. Hobden.

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. Hobden practices primarily at a medical clinic in Brockville's neighborhood, with surgical procedures typically performed at Brockville General Hospital. The clinic is conveniently located near major healthcare facilities and accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific access details may vary by facility, and patients are encouraged to contact the office for further information.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Hobden 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. Hobden whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Hobden perform?

Dr. Hobden, 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. Hobden may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hobden do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Hobden ever specialize further?

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Hobden 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. Hobden?

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

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
75 Charles Street, Department of Neonatology
Brockville, ON K6V 1S8

Clinic Phone: (613) 345-8345 | Clinic Fax: (613) 345-8318

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

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

Verify Dr. Hobden's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hobden-Susan-Diane/0138954-71492