Dr. William David Sanden – General Surgeon | Kamloops, BC

Dr. William David Sanden is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Kamloops and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Kamloops, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Sanden's role involves 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 approach is professional, compassionate, and patient-focused, providing high-quality care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to ensure optimal outcomes.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 1980 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Dr. Sanden maintains active certification, including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his practice reflects the highest standards of surgical excellence and professionalism. His ongoing commitment to professional development allows him to stay current with the latest advances in surgical care, benefitting his patients with evidence-based, safe, and effective treatment options.

Dr. Sanden’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. He emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their surgical journey. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he offers comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. His dedication to surgical excellence and compassionate care makes him a trusted provider for residents of Kamloops seeking quality surgical services. He provides consultations and surgical care in English, with a focus on delivering respectful and thorough patient-centered service.

Dr. William Sanden provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Sanden.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Sanden practices primarily at a surgical clinic situated in Kamloops's Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Aberdeen Mall and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Kamloops, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, making access straightforward for all visitors.

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Sanden 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sanden perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Sanden ever specialize further?

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

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

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

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

1834 Breakenridge Crt
Kamloops, BC V2E 1W9

Clinic Phone: (250) 314-0067

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

Dr. Sanden is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Sanden for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Sanden's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/307836/Sanden%2CWilliam