Dr. Walter Joseph Pawliwec – General Surgeon | Brantford, ON

Dr. Walter Joseph Pawliwec is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Brantford and performing surgeries at the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital in Brantford, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Pawliwec adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. He has expertise in 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.

Dr. Pawliwec graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 41 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1983, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his patients. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his specialized training and commitment to surgical excellence.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Pawliwec is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he aims to offer comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, he continuously updates his skills and surgical techniques. Fluent in English, French, and Ukrainian, Dr. Pawliwec effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.

Dr. Walter Pawliwec provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Pawliwec addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• 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).

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

• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• 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: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-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. Pawliwec.

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. Pawliwec practices at a surgical clinic situated in the Holmedale neighborhood of Brantford, Ontario. The clinic is conveniently located near the Woodland Cultural Centre and is accessible via Brantford Transit. The facility is designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, offering a professional environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and postoperative follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital, which is equipped with modern facilities and accessible to all patients. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients, and the environment is focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care.

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

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Pawliwec 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. Pawliwec will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

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

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Pawliwec ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Pawliwec, 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.

Suite 100, 200 Terrace Hill
Brantford, ON N3R 7S9

Clinic Phone: (519) 751-2365

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

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

Verify Dr. Pawliwec's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pawliwec-Walter-Joseph/0023078-27869