Summit SurgicalGeneral Surgery Associates — Calgary, AB
We offer a comprehensive range of general surgical procedures delivered by Royal College–certified general surgeons in a patient-centred, evidence-based environment.
Most Common
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. Hernias do not heal on their own — surgical repair is the only definitive treatment. Summit Surgical performs high-volume laparoscopic and open hernia repairs in alignment with the HerniaSurge International Guidelines.
The most frequent hernia, occurring when tissue pushes through the inguinal canal in the groin. More common in men. All Summit Surgical surgeons perform all three guideline-endorsed repair options: TEP (totally extraperitoneal), TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal), and Lichtenstein (open anterior mesh repair). Laparoscopic approaches are preferred for bilateral or recurrent hernias. Most patients return to desk work within 1 week.
Ventral hernias occur through the front of the abdominal wall; incisional hernias develop at a prior surgical incision site. Repair may be performed laparoscopically or open depending on hernia size and patient factors. Mesh reinforcement is standard practice to reduce recurrence. An abdominal binder may be recommended post-operatively. Recovery is typically 2–4 weeks.
Occurs when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in adults with obesity, multiple pregnancies, or chronic straining. Repair is performed laparoscopically or open, typically as day surgery. Mesh reinforcement reduces recurrence in adults.
Recurrence after prior hernia repair affects 10–15% of patients. HerniaSurge guidelines recommend a posterior approach (TEP/TAPP) for recurrence after prior anterior (Lichtenstein) repair, and vice versa. Summit Surgical manages complex and recurrent hernias, and can offer specialist consultation for multi-recurrent cases.
Femoral hernias protrude through the femoral canal and carry a higher risk of incarceration and strangulation than inguinal hernias. They are more common in women. Surgical repair is recommended once diagnosed, and can be performed laparoscopically or open using standard approaches.
Subspecialty
Summit Surgical offers the full spectrum of breast surgical oncology procedures through FACS-designated surgeons Dr. Austen and Dr. Graham. We work closely with medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology to deliver coordinated, multidisciplinary cancer care.
Surgical removal of the tumour and a margin of surrounding normal tissue while preserving the breast. Recommended for appropriately selected early-stage breast cancers. Typically followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. Associated with equivalent long-term survival to mastectomy in eligible patients.
Surgical removal of the entire breast. Indicated for larger tumours, multi-focal disease, recurrent cancer, or patient preference after counselling. Summit Surgical performs simple mastectomy and modified radical mastectomy. Immediate or delayed reconstruction is discussed in collaboration with plastic surgery as appropriate.
A minimally invasive staging procedure to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes. A radiotracer and/or blue dye identifies the sentinel node(s) for targeted removal and pathological analysis, avoiding full axillary dissection in node-negative patients and its associated morbidity.
Removal of level I and II axillary lymph nodes for staging and local control in patients with proven nodal metastases. Performed when sentinel node biopsy confirms nodal involvement meeting criteria for dissection, in accordance with current ASCO guidelines.
Subspecialty
Conditions of the oesophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and upper stomach that cause chronic reflux, swallowing difficulty, or progressive symptoms. Surgical management is appropriate for patients with confirmed GERD who fail or wish to discontinue long-term medical therapy, and for paraesophageal hernias at risk of complications.
The gold-standard surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A laparoscopic 360° wrap of the gastric fundus around the lower oesophagus recreates and reinforces the anti-reflux barrier. Suitable for patients with objectively confirmed GERD who have failed or prefer an alternative to long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Performed as day surgery or overnight stay; return to normal activity within 2–3 weeks.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper stomach pushes through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the chest. Sliding hiatal hernias are commonly repaired concurrently with fundoplication for GERD. Surgical repair tightens the diaphragmatic crura and returns the stomach to the abdominal cavity, with mesh reinforcement used selectively for large defects.
A paraesophageal hernia (type II–IV) occurs when the gastric fundus or other abdominal organs herniate into the thorax alongside the oesophagus. This carries a risk of incarceration and volvulus. Elective laparoscopic repair is recommended for symptomatic or large paraesophageal hernias. Urgent repair is indicated for acutely symptomatic or obstructed hernias.
Subspecialty
Conditions of the large bowel, rectum, and anus requiring surgical management, including cancer resection, inflammatory bowel disease surgery, and diverticulitis. Summit Surgical performs minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal procedures with experienced multidisciplinary coordination.
Minimally invasive removal of a segment of the large bowel via small incisions. Indicated for colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, volvulus, and other colon conditions requiring resection. Laparoscopic techniques are associated with reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Oncologic resection of colon and rectal cancers, performed laparoscopically where appropriate. Surgery is coordinated with the AHS colorectal multidisciplinary team, including medical oncology and radiation oncology. Staging investigations are reviewed prior to surgery to ensure optimal oncologic and functional outcomes.
Surgical management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis when medical therapy is insufficient or complications arise. Procedures include ileocolic resection, stricturoplasty, colectomy, and formation or reversal of ileostomy. IBD surgery decisions are made in conjunction with gastroenterology.
Elective or urgent resection of the sigmoid colon for recurrent or complicated diverticulitis. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy is the preferred approach for elective cases. Emergency surgery may be required for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis. A temporary colostomy may be formed depending on operative findings.
Creation of a colostomy or ileostomy as a protective or permanent measure, and subsequent reversal (take-down) when appropriate. Stoma nursing support and education are provided pre- and post-operatively through the AHS enterostomal therapy service.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions of the anal canal, classified as internal (grades I–IV) or external. Grade I–II internal hemorrhoids are typically managed with dietary modification and office-based rubber band ligation. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy (excisional, Ferguson technique) is recommended for Grade III–IV hemorrhoids, symptomatic external hemorrhoids, or those failing conservative management. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is an alternative for circumferential prolapsing hemorrhoids. Recovery is 2–4 weeks.
An anal fissure is a linear tear in the lining of the anal canal, most often at the posterior midline. Acute fissures (<6 weeks) are managed with topical therapies (nitrates, calcium channel blockers) and stool softeners. Chronic fissures are characterised by a sentinel skin tag, hypertrophied anal papilla, and elevated resting anal tone. The ASCRS-recommended surgical treatment for refractory chronic fissure is lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) — division of a portion of the internal anal sphincter to reduce resting tone and promote healing. Performed as day surgery.
Anorectal abscesses arise from infection of anal glands (cryptoglandular origin). They are classified by anatomic space: perianal (most common), ischiorectal, intersphincteric, and supralevator. Treatment is always surgical — incision and drainage at the time of presentation, even without fluctuance. Approximately 40–50% of patients develop a subsequent fistula-in-ano (an abnormal tract between the anal canal and perianal skin). Fistulas are classified by the sphincter muscles they traverse (intersphincteric, transsphincteric, suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric). Treatment depends on complexity: simple low fistulas are managed with fistulotomy; high or complex fistulas require sphincter-preserving techniques including seton placement, the LIFT procedure, or mucosal advancement flap. Crohn's-related fistulas are managed in conjunction with gastroenterology.
Rectal prolapse is the full-thickness protrusion of the rectum through the anus. It affects predominantly women and is frequently associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and fecal incontinence. Surgical approach is tailored to patient fitness and anatomy: abdominal rectopexy (laparoscopic, ± sigmoid resection) is preferred in fit patients for its lower recurrence rate; perineal approaches (Delorme, Altemeier) are reserved for frail or elderly patients. Constipation and incontinence are addressed concurrently where possible.
Fecal incontinence — the involuntary loss of stool or gas — is underreported and has a significant impact on quality of life. Initial management is non-surgical (dietary modification, pelvic floor physiotherapy, biofeedback). Surgical options include overlapping sphincteroplasty for traumatic sphincter defects (e.g., obstetric injury) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), which is increasingly used for neurogenic or mixed-cause incontinence. Assessment includes anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound to characterise sphincter anatomy.
Condyloma acuminata are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly strains 6 and 11. Perianal and intra-anal warts require surgical management when extensive, intraanal, or refractory to topical therapy. Treatment options include excision under anaesthetic, electrocautery fulguration, and laser ablation. Recurrence is common and follow-up is essential. High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is managed with close surveillance and excision.
Diagnostic & Therapeutic
Summit Surgical performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for colorectal and upper gastrointestinal conditions. Procedures are performed at Rockyview General Hospital, South Health Campus, and High River General Hospital under sedation. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy preparation instructions are in the Patient Preparation section — please review them carefully before your appointment.
A flexible fibre-optic camera is passed through the entire large bowel from the rectum to the terminal ileum, allowing direct visualisation of the colonic mucosa. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, investigation of rectal bleeding, evaluation of iron-deficiency anemia, and assessment of inflammatory bowel disease. Therapeutic manoeuvres including polypectomy (removal of polyps), biopsy, dilation, and haemostasis can be performed at the time of the procedure. Most patients are discharged within 1–2 hours of the procedure. Bowel preparation is mandatory — see the Colonoscopy Prep Guide in the Patient Preparation section.
A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy; EGD). Indicated for investigation of dysphagia, dyspepsia, GERD refractory to medical therapy, upper GI bleeding, suspected Barrett's esophagus, and surveillance of gastric or duodenal pathology. Therapeutic capabilities include biopsy, dilation of strictures, treatment of bleeding lesions, and removal of foreign bodies. Upper endoscopy requires fasting for 6–8 hours beforehand — no bowel preparation is needed. Patients must arrange a driver as sedation is administered.
Examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon using a shorter flexible scope. Requires a limited bowel preparation (enema only). Used for evaluation of anorectal and sigmoid pathology, surveillance of distal colonic disease, or when full colonoscopy is not indicated or feasible. Commonly performed for assessment of hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, and distal IBD.
Removal of colorectal or gastric polyps at the time of endoscopy, including flat or sessile lesions using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique. All removed polyps are sent for histopathological analysis. Surveillance colonoscopy intervals following polypectomy are guided by Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) guidelines and depend on polyp number, size, and histology.
Core Practice
Summit Surgical provides comprehensive general surgical care across a broad range of abdominal and soft-tissue conditions. All eight of our surgeons hold FRCSC certification in General Surgery and accept referrals for common surgical problems not covered under a subspecialty program.
Laparoscopic removal of the appendix for acute appendicitis. The standard of care for non-perforated appendicitis in adults and is performed urgently via small-incision laparoscopic technique, with same-day or next-day discharge in straightforward cases.
Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder performed through four small incisions. Indicated for all symptomatic gallstone disease. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning, with return to light activity within 1–2 weeks.
Excision of benign and malignant skin lesions, lipomas, sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, and soft-tissue tumours. Includes wide local excision for melanoma and atypical lesions, with intraoperative margin assessment as required. Sentinel node biopsy for melanoma is available in conjunction with the appropriate referral pathway.
Surgical drainage of cutaneous and subcutaneous abscesses, including perianal abscesses and pilonidal disease. Performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on location and extent. Pilonidal sinus excision and wound management are also available for recurrent or complex disease.
Subspecialty
Surgical treatment for severe obesity and obesity-related metabolic disease, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Reso leads Summit Surgical's bariatric program with advanced training in minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery referrals must be triaged through the Adult Specialty Bariatric Clinic (ASBC) in Calgary. Physicians should refer eligible patients to the ASBC directly. Once patients have completed the multidisciplinary bariatric assessment program, they will be referred to Dr. Reso for surgical consultation and operative planning.
Laparoscopic resection of approximately 80% of the stomach along the greater curvature, creating a tubular "sleeve." Reduces stomach capacity and decreases ghrelin production (the hunger hormone). Associated with significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic comorbidities. Generally the preferred first-line bariatric procedure for eligible patients.
Creation of a small gastric pouch connected directly to a limb of small bowel, bypassing the majority of the stomach and duodenum. Achieves both restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss with robust long-term outcomes. Particularly effective for patients with severe GERD or Type 2 diabetes requiring maximal metabolic benefit.
Surgical revision or conversion of a prior bariatric procedure due to inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications such as band slippage or erosion. Requires individualized assessment of the prior anatomy, patient history, and goals of care. Discussed in multidisciplinary conference prior to operative planning.
The information in this section is general in nature and does not replace a formal surgical consultation. Individual treatment plans are tailored to each patient's clinical circumstances.
Summit Surgical
Patient information · general questions
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