About
Dr. Vanessa Rose Bruckschwaiger is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sault Area Hospital and performing surgeries at Ottawa 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. Bruckschwaiger's approach is patient-centered, dedicated to delivering high-quality care through a collaborative and compassionate environment. Her focus is on providing comprehensive surgical management from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, ensuring optimal outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Bruckschwaiger graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has accumulated over three years of experience as a General Surgeon since beginning her practice in 2021. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), confirming her qualifications and expertise in her field. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest surgical techniques and standards of care.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Whenever appropriate, she utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort. Dr. Bruckschwaiger collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management of her patients' conditions and is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, ensuring accessible and effective communication with her patients in Ottawa.
Dr. Vanessa Bruckschwaiger provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Bruckschwaiger addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Bruckschwaiger addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
- 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. Vanessa Bruckschwaiger is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open 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. Bruckschwaiger.
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. Bruckschwaiger primarily practices at her clinic located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. Her clinic is conveniently situated near Carlingwood Shopping Centre, with accessible public transport options including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. 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 nearby, including accessible parking options, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Bruckschwaiger?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Bruckschwaiger is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Bruckschwaiger 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Bruckschwaiger do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Bruckschwaiger, 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. Bruckschwaiger provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Bruckschwaiger?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Bruckschwaiger 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.
- Does Dr. Bruckschwaiger perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Bruckschwaiger 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. Bruckschwaiger whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Bruckschwaiger perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Bruckschwaiger 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. Bruckschwaiger's areas of focus within general surgery.
Sault Area Hospital
501 Smyth Road, Department of Emergency Medicine
Ottawa, ON K1H 8M2
Clinic Phone: (613) 737-8899
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Bruckschwaiger 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. Bruckschwaiger for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Bruckschwaiger's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bruckschwaiger-Vanessa-Rose/0303257-107180