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Our Gastrointestinal (GI) – General team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of GI conditions and minimally invasive general surgeries. Our team of experienced specialists and state-of-the-art level 3 surgical centre ensures that every patient receives a high level of care tailored to their needs and the latest surgical options for their care. At TCBH Surgical Centre, we are committed to improving your digestive health and enchancing your overall well-being.
1. How long will the procedure take?
The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes. However, expect to be at the clinic for up to 2 hours due to the time required to complete registration, pre-operative preparation and recovery.
2.Can I drive home after my procedure?
You are going to be sedated and as a result you will not be able to drive until the following morning. Also, do not go back to work after the procedure.
3.Can I stay awake during the procedure?
Physicians recommend sedation. It is makes it more comfortable and easier for both you and the physician. However, if you absolutely wish to have no sedation, you have that option. Should you choose “no sedation”, it will be noted on your consent and in your report.
4.Can a friend or family member stay with me during the procedure?
Unfortunately, not – as only patients are allowed in the endoscopy suite. Your friend/family member will have to remain in the waiting area. Should you need assistance with regards to dressing/undressing or for translation, please inform the nurse prior to your procedure.
5.Can I take a taxi home?
You are permitted to take a taxi home ONLY if you are accompanied by someone or have someone accompany you when you arrive home.
6.How can I fast for so long if I am a diabetic?
We recommend you book an early morning appointment to reduce the time required to fast. We may bring a snack with you to have after your procedure is completed. Please consult your physician on how to take your diabetic medications and insulin the day before and the day of the procedure.
7.Should I continue to take my medications/vitamins prior to my procedure?
You may take your blood pressure, heart medications, asthma and epilepsy in the morning with a small sip of water. Diabetic patients will need special instructions from their doctor.
8. Can I still have my procedure if I am menstruating?
You can still have your procedure but ask that you wear either a tampon or pad.
9.Do I have to take the bowel prep – I had a bad reaction last time/or it tastes awful?
The physician prefers you complete the prep as directed. Should your colon not be clean on the date of your appointment, the procedure will be cancelled, and we will need to rebook your procedure.
If you have a sensitive stomach or get nauseated, you may take Gravol 50 mg tablet 30 minutes prior to starting your preparation.
10. Will I see physician before and after my procedure?
Yes. The physician will describe the procedure to you prior to beginning. After your procedure is completed, the physician will provide you with a written report on how the procedure went.
11. Why do I need a consultation before my procedure?
Given your specific circumstances, a consultation is required before your procedure, (i.e. age, medical conditions and time of last scope)
12. Do the physicians see children?
No. The physicians only see patients 18 years of age or older. Children should be seen by a paediatric gastroenterologist and should have their procedure performed at a hospital.
13. What is the difference between doing the procedure at the hospital vs. the clinic?
The wait time for a procedure in a hospital is usually much longer.
Dr. Ravi Kumar completed his Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University. He then pursued his Medical Doctorate and Urology residency at The University of Ottawa. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at the University of Toronto. During his fellowship, he obtained a Master of Engineering from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. He is the co-lead author of the Canadian Urological Association/American Urological Association guideline on the diagnosis and management of adrenal masses.
Dr. Kumar treats a wide variety of urologic conditions including BPH and kidney stones, with a special focus on delivering cutting-edge care for prostate cancer, kidney cancer and bladder cancer.
Dr. Ashwin Maharaj obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology/Physiology from the University of Western Ontario (BSc). e became certified through is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and was certified as fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and recently recertified. He is a member of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons. His current clinical interests are devoted to outpatient acute and chronic gastrointestinal medicine/surgery as well as abdominal wall hernia surgery and practices in certified facilities in Toronto. He has research experience in gastrointestinal disease as well as surgical education teaching resident surgeons and medical students.
Dr. Diana Magee completed her undergraduate education at Cornell University followed by a Master of Public Health degree at Boston University. She received her medical degree from Queen’s University and completed her urology residency at the University of Toronto. While in residency she enrolled in the Surgeon Scientist program and completed her Master of Science in Health Services Research. She completed her fellowship in urologic oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Magee’s area of expertise is in the management of urologic cancers as well as performing minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Pianezza completed his medical degree (MD) at the University of Ottawa in 2002. He became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCSC). He then completed a one-year fellowship in minimally invasive surgery and endourology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 2008.
Dr. M. Pianezza has been a staff urologist in Sudbury at the Health Sciences North since January 2010. He was Head of Urology from February 2013 to September 2016. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Dr. Heimrath completed his medical school at the University of Ottawa, his surgical residency at McGill University, and his Endourology, Minimally Invasive, and Robotics Fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. Heimrath’s areas of expertise include the management of complex kidney stones and urologic cancers as well as performing minimally invasive surgery. Since 2016, Dr. Heimrath has worked overseas in Malawi and Rwanda to explore opportunities to build urologic and surgical capacity in the developing world. He is a partner in the Urology Global Surgery initiative at the University of Toronto and holds a lecturer appointment with the University of Toronto.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a clinical condition characterized by a malabsorption syndrome due to an increase in microorganisms within the small intestine.
The Clinic at Beverly Hills offers patients the option between two industry leading gastric balloon procedures. The traditional endoscopy guided Orbera Gastric Balloon and the revolutionary swallowable Allurion Gastric Balloon.
Hemorrhoids are a natural part of the human body and, when healthy, assist with the closure of the anus.
Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions that move blood to and from the anus and help support the function of the sphincter. Most people think of hemorrhoids as the disorder known as hemorrhoids or piles.
Stress Urinary incontinence (SUI) means the uncontrollable loss of urine – an involuntary loss or leakage of urine during precipitating activities like coughing, laughing, sneezing, straining, exercising etc. Early signs of SUI are complaints relating to dysuria, frequency, and urgency. At TCBH Surgical Centre, we offer two treatment options for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which your prostate grows in size. Your prostate is a gland that rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum. It’s about the size of a walnut, and it surrounds part of your urethra. Your urethra is a tube that carries urine and sperm (ejaculate) out of your body. If your prostate grows in size, it can prevent urine and ejaculation from passing through your urethra. BPH is not cancerous. However, symptoms of BPH may indicate more serious conditions, including prostate cancer. TCBH Surgical Centre provides two treatment options.
How The Rezum™ Water Vapor Therapy Works
NanoKnife or Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) consists of placing a number of electrodes into the prostate to surround the area of significant cancer.
Short pulses of electricity using very high voltage are passed between the electrodes. This causes micropores to occur in all cells, including the cancer cells, which lead to their death.
Dr. Luke Fazio is the current Chief of Urology at Humber River Hospital. Dr. Fazio received his medical degree from McGill University in 1999. Following this, he finished his Endourology and Minimally Invasive fellowship at the University of Toronto. As the Urology Medical Director, he has brought many minimally invasive programs to TCBH and is working on future projects. He currently sits on numerous committees and is an advocate for innovation in healthcare. He is the physician lead for the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Program. He also is the Chair of the Innovation Committee.
Dr. Bhargava has a primary focus of providing care for her patients in the form of minimally invasive procedures and cutting edge technology. She is the Medical Director of TCBH Surgical Centre (The Clinic at Beverly Hills Healthcare) and has been instrumental in bringing Laser Hemorrhoid Treatment to her Centre.
Achievements:
Dr. Bhargava completed both her medical school and surgical residency at the University of Western Ontario. In addition to her Bariatric fellowship, she has also completed Minimally Invasive fellowship at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.
Dr. Bhargava has published multiple research papers and lead articles.
Memberships:
Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Association of General Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and American Society of Bariatric Surgery