Dr. Winnie Wing-Chi Leung – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Winnie Wing-Chi Leung is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and performing surgeries at Scarborough Health Network Hospital in Toronto, 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 a dedicated focus on 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. Her approach emphasizes providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Leung graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 26 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1998, she brings a wealth of expertise and clinical skill to her practice. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing professional development.

Her professional philosophy revolves around providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making to empower her patients. Dr. Leung utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. Furthermore, she is dedicated to surgical excellence and continuous learning, serving the diverse Toronto community with compassion and expertise. She also communicates effectively in Cantonese, Chinese, in addition to English, to serve a broad range of patients with cultural sensitivity and personalized care.

Dr. Winnie Leung provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Leung addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• 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.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.

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. Leung.

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. Leung primarily practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre located in Toronto's Agincourt neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Scarborough Health Network Hospital, which is easily accessible via public transit and car. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice is conveniently situated near Union Station, with access via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The environment offers a professional, welcoming space for consultations, follow-up care, and surgical procedures, emphasizing patient safety and comfort.

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Leung 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. Leung perform?

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

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Leung do?

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

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room C712, 4190 Finch Ave East
Toronto, ON M1S 4T7

Clinic Phone: (416) 291-1900 | Clinic Fax: (416) 291-9469

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

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

Verify Dr. Leung's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Leung-Winnie-WingChi/0052832-66796