Dr. Todd Patrick Penner – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Todd Patrick Penner is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Timmins & District Hospital in Toronto, ON, he performs surgeries at Sinai Health System Hospital. He is committed to upholding the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His focus is on 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. Dr. Penner’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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and has over 24 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2000. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Penner’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. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to offer comprehensive management of each patient's condition. His dedication to surgical excellence ensures that patients in Toronto receive compassionate, skilled care tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Penner provides surgical consultations and care in English.

Dr. Todd Penner provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Penner addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Penner 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.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.

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. Penner.

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. Penner's primary clinic is located at Timmins & District Hospital in Toronto's Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless experience for all patients seeking surgical evaluation and treatment.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Penner 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. Penner ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Penner 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. Penner 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Penner do?

Dr. Penner, 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.

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

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

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

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

Timmins & District Hospital
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8

Clinic Phone: (416) 603-6220 | Clinic Fax: (416) 603-6221

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

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

Verify Dr. Penner's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Penner-Todd-Patrick/0057458-69046