Types of Surgery

Types of Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is commonly referred to as weight-loss surgery. It is one of the options for people living with morbid obesity. Learn more about Island Health's Bariatric Program

Cardiovascular Surgery

Cardiovascular surgery is the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Examples of cardiovascular surgery include open heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve replacements and vascular surgery such as abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs and femoral-tibial bypass grafting.

General Surgery

General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal organs including. intestines including esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland, breast surgery and hernias.

General Surgery Patient Education

Getting ready and recovering from colon (bowel) resection surgery 

Getting ready for breast surgery

Getting ready for and recovering from breast surgery

Gynaecology

Gynaecology refers to the surgical specialty dealing with the health of the female reproductive system (uterus, vagina and ovaries).

Learn more on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada website.

Gynecology Patient Education

Getting ready for and recovering from gynecological surgery

Neurosurgery

The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Ophthalmology (Eyes)

A medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye. Conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis, among others.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A dental specialty focusing on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the mouth,  teeth and gums. Examples of oral surgery include removal of wisdom teeth, facial injury repair, cleft lip and palate repair, and repair of uneven jaws.

Learn more on the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website.

Orthopaedics

The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries of the musculoskeletal system including the muscles, bones, spine, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Learn more on the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation's Patient/Public Information web pages.

Otolaryngology - Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Otolaryngology is the medical and surgical treatment of the head and neck, including ears, nose and throat.

Learn more on The Canadian Otolaryngological Society's website.

Otolaryngology Patient Education

Getting ready for and recovering from laryngectomy surgery

Plastics and Reconstructive

A surgical specialty that focuses on the repair, restoration or improvement of conditions or injuries to the skin and external features resulting from disease, injury or birth defects.

Learn more on the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeon website.
Learn more about breast reconstruction in Island Health.

Thoracic

A surgical specialty focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the chest, including the ribs and lungs.

Urology

A surgical specialty that deals with  problems affecting the urinary tract including kidneys, bladder, and prostate.

Learn more on the Canadian Urological Association
Learn more on The Prostate Centre website

Urology Patient Education

Getting Ready and Recovering from Cystectomy Surgery

Services

News & Events

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Pay parking resumes March 4, 2022

Effective March 4, 2022, pay parking will resume at all Island Health sites that previously had pay parking in place. 

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Caring for the Vulnerable

Caring for the Vulnerable

Healthcare professionals provide care in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools and people’s homes, but for those individuals who don’t have a fixed address and require care, some community health services staff go to them. 

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People unveiling a truth and reconciliation plaque.

Island Health Magazine Fall 2021

Read articles on building resilience in children; how loneliness impacts health; tips and recipes for healthy to-go lunches; information about IBD and a feature about patient partners.

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