Dr. Kristin DeGirolamo
MSc MD FRCSC

General Surgeon

Meet Dr. DeGirolamo

Dr. Kristin DeGirolamo grew up in the Lower Mainland and pursued all of her training at the University of British Columbia. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy 2005-2009, followed by a medical degree and residency training in General Surgery.

Throughout the residency, she completed a number of award winning research projects. She also received the prestigious Frank B. Thompson Memorial Award recognizing a graduating resident who best exemplified the qualities of an outstanding clinical general surgeon.

She has also maintained a strong interest in surgical education and enjoys teaching and working with medical students and residents. Her clinical practice encompasses caring for a breadth of diseases including but not limited to abdominal wall hernias, colon cancer and acute intra-abdominal illnesses.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kristin DeGirolamo enjoys traveling, cycling, home improvement projects and spending time with her family.

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Training:

University of British Columbia
General Surgery Post-graduate Training Program 2013-2020

University of British Columbia
Doctor of Medicine 2009-2013

University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy 2005-2009

Medical Licenses:

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada 2020

Professional Experience:

Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, B.C
July 2024 – Present

Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
Abbotsford, BC
July 2021- July 2024

Professional Memberships:

Member, Doctors of British Columbia

Member, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia 2020

Acute Care Surgery and Breast, University of Alberta 2020-2021

Fraser Valley’s Premier General Surgery Specialists

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Faqs

What documents do I need to carry when I come for the first appointment?

When you come for your first appointment you should bring along your valid provincial health card and a list of current medications taken. Typically, your referring physician will have forwarded all other relevant reports. If they have not and they are available to you, please bring all the medical records pertaining to your condition such as X-ray reports, CT, MRI scan reports, laboratory test results, and, if relevant, the report of any previous surgical procedures.

What conditions do general surgeons treat?

General surgeons provide advanced, comprehensive surgical care, and can manage both routine and critically ill patients. Typically, a general surgeon takes care of a wide variety of patients with conditions such as a hernia, biliary disorders, bowel obstructions, stomach and colon cancer, and multiple injuries due to trauma. Sub-specialty general surgeons further treat sarcoma, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers,vascular disorders and malignancies in the head and neck region.

How long will my stay at the hospital be?

Your stay at our hospital may vary as it depends on the kind of surgery performed, the type of anesthesia administered, and your specific needs. Most patients undergoing minor surgical procedures on an outpatient basis can return home within 1-3 hours after the surgery

What are the possible risks and complications of undergoing a surgery?

Surgery is almost always associated with certain risks. That is why it is important to compare the benefits of the surgery against its risks. Dr. DeGirolamo will provide information about the possible complications such as bleeding and infection, and regarding the potential side effects that may occur after the procedure. The methods of pain management after the procedure will be discussed by Dr. DeGirolamo. If any of these complications arise, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Should I discontinue taking my medications prior to surgery?

Dr. DeGirolamo will typically advise you what you need to do regarding your medications. You should also discuss this with your family physician.
You may need to discontinue certain medications that you take regularly, particularly anticoagulants (blood thinners). Dr. DeGirolamo will inform you about the medications to be stopped before a surgical procedure along with the time at which they should be stopped and when you can resume taking these following the surgery.

How is minimally invasive surgery beneficial?

Minimally invasive surgery is beneficial because it reduces the post-operative discomfort and leaves a smaller scar. This is relevant to MOST operations but not all. Dr. DeGirolamo will discuss the best approach to your specific clinical situation.

Currently, minimally invasive procedures are most commonly chosen whenever surgical treatment is advised. The reason being, that this procedure offers several benefits to the patients. These include:

Significant reduction in post-operative
pain
Lesser blood loss
Lesser scarring
Shorter recovery period
Faster return to normal routine
Better clinical outcome

What can I expect at my first visit?

On your first visit, you can expect to go through a physical examination, to talk to Dr. DeGirolamo about your medical history, and to perform the tests that Dr. DeGirolamo thinks are necessary. Dr. DeGirolamo will then make recommendations of whether surgery or further diagnostics are required.