Dr. Kashif Irshad, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Kashif Irshad is Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at William Osler Health System in the Greater Toronto Area — one of Canada’s most active thoracic surgery programs. He obtained his medical degree at McGill University and completed a Masters of Science in Experimental Surgery during his residency, building a research foundation that continues to shape his surgical innovations.
Following thoracic surgery training at McMaster University, Dr. Irshad obtained a prestigious fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) — training under Dr. Jim Luketich, the surgeon widely credited with revolutionizing minimally invasive thoracic surgery worldwide.
Dr. Irshad returned to Canada and published the first Canadian series of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies — a landmark achievement that established William Osler as a national leader in advanced esophageal surgery. He was featured on CTV National News for his innovations in lung cancer surgery, and subsequently introduced the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum to the hospital — procedures previously unavailable to patients in this region.
Today, over 95% of lung resections at Osler are performed minimally invasively under Dr. Irshad’s leadership — a benchmark achieved at only a handful of centres across Canada.
In 2014, Dr. Irshad founded Canada’s first lung cancer screening program at William Osler Health System — identifying lung cancer in high-risk patients at its earliest, most treatable stage. The program became a model for the country: in 2023, Ontario launched a province-wide lung cancer screening initiative, drawing directly on the experience and framework built at Osler. Countless lives have been saved through early detection that would otherwise have gone undiagnosed until the disease reached an advanced, incurable stage.
Dr. Irshad has been a passionate champion of robotic surgery at William Osler Health System, building one of the most active robotic thoracic programs in Ontario. Today, over 80% of his lung cancer resections are performed using a robotic approach — offering patients unparalleled 3D high-definition vision, wristed instrument precision, and tremor-free dissection that simply cannot be replicated through conventional means. For patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis, this translates to less pain, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to the life they love.
Canadian Firsts & Milestones
Chief, Division of Thoracic & Benign Esophageal Surgery
William Osler Health System — Brampton Civic Hospital, GTA
“I have dedicated my career to the advancement of new and innovative techniques in minimally invasive thoracic surgery — not because they are technically interesting, but because they are genuinely better for patients. Less pain, faster recovery, and getting people back to the lives they love.”— Dr. Kashif Irshad, MD, MSc, FRCSC — Chief of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System
Each condition listed below has its own dedicated information section. Click “Learn more” on any card to understand your diagnosis, Dr. Irshad’s surgical approach, what to expect, and answers to common questions.
Offering robotic-assisted surgery, VATS lobectomy, and segmentectomy for early to locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Over 95% of lung resections performed minimally invasively at Osler — among the highest rates in Canada.
Learn more →Dr. Irshad published the first Canadian series of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies. Expert laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy with excellent oncologic outcomes and reduced recovery time.
Learn more →Performing over 100 laparoscopic hiatus hernia repairs per year. Specialized repair of giant paraesophageal hernias using keyhole techniques with low complication rates and fast recovery.
Learn more →Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia — a condition where the lower esophageal valve fails to relax. Minimally invasive surgery allows food and liquids to pass freely, significantly improving quality of life.
Learn more →Minimally invasive resection of thymomas, mediastinal cysts, and other mediastinal masses.
Learn more →Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) performed as a day surgery for excessive sweating of the hands, underarms, and face. Covered by OHIP. microwave sweat gland treatment also available for underarm sweating.
Learn more →The Nuss procedure — a minimally invasive repair for sunken chest using a telescope-guided stainless steel bar. Think of it as braces for the sternum. Dr. Irshad introduced this procedure to William Osler Health System.
Learn more →Minimally invasive bariatric surgery including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and the Sleeve Nissen — a combined sleeve and anti-reflux procedure for patients with obesity and GERD. All procedures performed using keyhole techniques.
Learn more →Lung cancer is among the most common and most serious cancers in Canada. However, when caught early — particularly Stage I or Stage II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — surgery offers the best chance of cure. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor along with an adequate margin of healthy lung tissue, and to sample the lymph nodes to assess for spread.
The most common surgical procedure is a lobectomy (removal of one lobe of the lung). In selected patients, a segmentectomy (removal of a segment, preserving more lung function) or wedge resection (removing just the tumor with a small margin) may be appropriate.
Dr. Irshad performs over 95% of lung resections at Osler using minimally invasive techniques — either video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery. These approaches use 3–4 small incisions (1–2 cm each) rather than a large chest-opening cut, resulting in significantly less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal life.
After spending a year training in the United States at one of the world’s leading thoracic surgery centres, Dr. Irshad returned to Canada in 2006 and became a pioneer in introducing minimally invasive thoracic surgery to this country. He was among the first in Canada to bring these advanced techniques to patients in the GTA, establishing one of the highest minimally invasive rates in the country. His approach prioritizes both oncologic completeness — ensuring cancer is fully removed — and minimal disruption to the patient’s body.
Robotic-assisted surgery, when used, provides 3D high-definition vision, wristed instruments with greater range of motion than the human hand, and tremor filtration — allowing precision resection of tumors in complex anatomical locations.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
Can I have minimally invasive surgery even if the tumor is large?
In most cases, yes. Dr. Irshad assesses each patient individually. Most tumors can typically be managed thoracoscopically or robotically if the anatomy is suitable.
Is the cancer control as good with keyhole surgery?
Yes. Multiple large studies confirm equivalent or superior oncologic outcomes with VATS lobectomy compared to open surgery, with substantially lower complication rates.
How do I get referred to Dr. Irshad?
Your family doctor or oncologist can fax a referral to our clinic at (905) 458-4080. A referral form can be downloaded from the referral section. Urgent cases are triaged quickly.
Esophageal cancer — cancer of the food pipe — most often presents as either squamous cell carcinoma (upper esophagus) or adenocarcinoma (lower esophagus, often related to Barrett’s esophagus and reflux). Surgery is frequently part of the treatment plan, particularly for Stage I–III disease, and is almost always combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
An esophagectomy (removal of part or all of the esophagus, followed by reconstruction using the stomach) is a complex and technically demanding operation. Historically performed through large chest and abdominal incisions, Dr. Irshad performs this as a Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE) — using laparoscopic and thoracoscopic instruments through small keyhole incisions.
Dr. Irshad published the first Canadian series of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies at the Canadian Surgery Forum in 2009, establishing William Osler as a national leader and making this advanced approach available to patients in Ontario who would otherwise need to travel internationally.
Open esophagectomy is one of the most invasive operations in general surgery. The minimally invasive approach, pioneered by Dr. Luketich at UPMC and brought to Canada by Dr. Irshad, substantially reduces blood loss, pulmonary complications (a major source of morbidity after open esophagectomy), length of hospital stay, and time to resuming eating and activity.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
Will I need chemotherapy or radiation before surgery?
For most Stage II/III esophageal cancers, neoadjuvant (pre-operative) chemotherapy is standard practice and has been shown to improve survival. Dr. Irshad works closely with oncology teams to coordinate your multidisciplinary care.
How will I eat after esophagectomy?
Your stomach is reshaped into a tube and pulled up into the chest to replace the esophagus. Most patients adapt well and eat near-normally within a few months, though small, frequent meals are often recommended long-term.
Is William Osler equipped for this level of surgery?
Yes. Brampton Civic Hospital has the specialized nursing, intensive care, and support teams required for complex esophageal surgery. Dr. Irshad has performed this operation here since publishing Canada’s first series in 2009.
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (the muscular sheet separating the chest and abdomen) into the chest cavity. There are two main types: sliding hiatus hernia (the junction of the stomach and esophagus slides up) and paraesophageal hernia (part of the stomach herniates beside the esophagus, which can become very large — sometimes the entire stomach ends up in the chest).
Symptoms include persistent heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and in larger hernias, early satiety, shortness of breath, and recurrent pneumonias. Large paraesophageal hernias can become a surgical emergency if the stomach twists (volvulus), so surgical repair is often recommended even in patients without severe symptoms.
Dr. Irshad performs over 100 laparoscopic hiatus hernia repairs per year — one of the highest volume practices in the GTA. The vast majority are done as minimally invasive keyhole surgery, often with patients going home the same day or the next morning.
Importantly, Dr. Irshad also performs anti-reflux surgery for patients who have significant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without a hiatus hernia. If your reflux is not adequately controlled with medication, or if you prefer a surgical solution, a referral for assessment is appropriate — a hiatus hernia is not required to be a candidate.
Pre-operative planning: endoscopy required
All patients being considered for anti-reflux or hiatus hernia surgery will require a pre-operative planning endoscopy performed at the hospital prior to their surgical date. This allows Dr. Irshad to assess the esophagus and stomach directly and plan the most appropriate procedure.
Nissen fundoplication: The upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped 360° around the lower esophagus, creating a valve that prevents reflux. This is the gold-standard repair for sliding hiatus hernia with severe GERD.
Toupet fundoplication (270°): A partial wrap, often preferred in patients with swallowing difficulties or weak esophageal motility.
Paraesophageal hernia repair: Reduction of the herniated stomach, closure of the hiatal defect (often with mesh reinforcement), and fundoplication to secure the repair.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
Will I still be able to burp or vomit after fundoplication?
After a 360° Nissen wrap, burping and vomiting are more difficult. Most patients adapt; Dr. Irshad selects the wrap type (360° vs. 270°) based on your pre-op manometry results to minimize this effect.
My hernia is very large — is keyhole surgery still possible?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, even giant paraesophageal hernias can be repaired laparoscopically. Dr. Irshad specializes in complex hiatal repairs and rarely needs to convert to open surgery.
I’ve been on antacids for years. Do I really need surgery?
Medications manage symptoms but don’t fix the mechanical problem. Patients with large hernias, persistent symptoms despite medication, or complications (Barrett’s esophagus, recurrent aspiration) are often best served by surgical repair.
Quick self-assessment
Answer 5 quick questions — not a diagnosis, just a guide.
For informational purposes only — not a diagnosis.
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus in which the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and stomach) fails to relax properly when swallowing. This prevents food and liquid from passing into the stomach. The nerve cells that control the sphincter are progressively lost over time, making achalasia a progressive condition if left untreated.
Symptoms include difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, and unintentional weight loss. Achalasia is often misdiagnosed as GERD or an anxiety disorder before the correct diagnosis is made by manometry or barium swallow.
The gold-standard surgical treatment is a laparoscopic Heller myotomy — a precise incision through the muscle fibers of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the valve to open freely. This is almost always combined with a partial fundoplication (Dor or Toupet) to prevent post-operative reflux.
Compared to pneumatic dilation (balloon stretching), laparoscopic Heller myotomy has higher long-term success rates and requires fewer repeat procedures. For patients with Type II achalasia (the most common type), surgery provides durable relief in over 85% of patients at 5 years.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
I’ve heard about POEM (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) — how does it compare?
POEM is a newer endoscopic technique with similar efficacy to Heller myotomy, but is associated with a higher rate of post-operative acid reflux. Dr. Irshad will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your specific case.
Will swallowing be completely normal after surgery?
The vast majority of patients experience dramatic improvement. Most describe it as transformative — being able to eat meals and drink normally for the first time in years. Some mild slowing of swallowing may persist, which typically improves over months.
What investigations will I need before surgery?
A high-resolution manometry (HRM) to confirm the diagnosis and classify the type of achalasia, a barium swallow, and often an upper endoscopy to rule out other causes. These are arranged through Dr. Irshad’s office.
The mediastinum is the central compartment of the chest, between the two lungs. It contains the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and the thymus gland. A variety of tumors and cysts can develop here, including thymomas (tumors of the thymus), mediastinal cysts (bronchogenic, pericardial, or enteric), teratomas, lymphomas, and other masses.
Many mediastinal masses are discovered incidentally on chest imaging ordered for other reasons. While some are benign, surgical resection is often recommended to establish a diagnosis and prevent complications such as compression of the trachea, esophagus, or heart.
Thymomas are also associated with myasthenia gravis — an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Thymectomy (removal of the thymus) can significantly improve or even cure myasthenia gravis, independent of whether a thymoma is present.
The mediastinum is a confined, complex space surrounded by the heart, great vessels, and phrenic nerves. Robotic surgery — with its 3D magnification, wristed instruments, and tremor filtration — offers significant advantages over conventional VATS in this anatomically demanding location. Dr. Irshad performs the majority of mediastinal tumor resections using a robotic approach, providing patients with a safer, more precise operation and a faster recovery than open surgery.
Evidence snapshot — Robotic mediastinal surgery
A systematic review and meta-analysis by Buentzel et al. (2017) (Medicine) comparing robotic versus VATS thymectomy found robotic thymectomy was associated with significantly reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and lower conversion rates to open surgery, with equivalent oncologic outcomes.
Marulli et al. demonstrated in a multi-centre series that robotic thymectomy achieved complete resection in over 95% of cases with a mean hospital stay of 2.5 days, concluding that the robotic platform is ideally suited to the narrow anterior mediastinal space.
Cerfolio et al. reported that robotic resection of anterior mediastinal masses resulted in zero conversions to open surgery and a complication rate lower than matched VATS cohorts, attributing this to the enhanced dexterity and visualization the robotic platform provides in proximity to the great vessels.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
I have myasthenia gravis but no thymoma. Should I still have thymectomy?
Yes, in most cases. A landmark clinical trial (MGTX trial) showed that thymectomy significantly improves outcomes in myasthenia gravis patients even without thymoma, reducing the need for immunosuppressive medications.
Is a mediastinal mass always cancer?
Not at all. Many mediastinal masses are benign cysts, mature teratomas, or low-grade thymomas. The type, location, and characteristics on imaging guide the diagnostic workup. A tissue diagnosis is often needed, which surgery provides definitively.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating beyond what the body needs for thermoregulation. It affects an estimated 3% of Canadians and can be profoundly embarrassing and disabling — soaking through clothes, making handshakes socially uncomfortable, and limiting professional and personal activities.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), and face/scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis). It is caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nerve chain in the chest.
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) involves dividing or clamping the overactive sympathetic nerve chain through two small incisions in the armpit, using a telescope. The procedure is performed as outpatient day surgery and provides immediate, permanent relief in over 95% of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Covered by OHIP.
For patients with primarily axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis who prefer a non-surgical option, Dr. Irshad also offers microwave sweat gland treatment — a Health Canada-approved microwave energy device that permanently destroys sweat glands in the underarm. It requires no incisions, is performed in the office under local anesthetic, and has a strong safety and efficacy record.
What to expect: ETS recovery
Frequently asked questions
What is compensatory sweating, and will it be a problem?
After ETS, the body sometimes redirects sweating to other areas (trunk, back, thighs). This occurs to some degree in most patients but is severe enough to be bothersome in a minority. Dr. Irshad discusses this in detail at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Is ETS covered by OHIP?
Yes — ETS for hyperhidrosis is covered by OHIP. You need a referral from your family doctor. microwave sweat gland treatment is not OHIP covered as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Some private insurance plans may cover microwave sweat gland treatment if it is deemed medically necessary — we recommend checking with your insurer.
I’ve tried prescription antiperspirants and Botox. Is surgery really my next step?
For palmar hyperhidrosis that hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatments, ETS has strong evidence for long-term success in palmar hyperhidrosis, with high satisfaction and low recurrence rates reported in published studies. Published studies report high long-term satisfaction rates in appropriately selected patients.
Who is a candidate for ETS — and who is not?
Good candidates have focal hyperhidrosis — sweating confined to specific areas (palms, underarms, face, or feet) caused by sympathetic nerve overactivity. These patients have normal sweating elsewhere and have not responded to antiperspirants or Botox.
Not suitable are patients with generalized hyperhidrosis — diffuse sweating across the whole body, which is usually secondary to an underlying systemic condition. ETS does not address the root cause in these cases and is not appropriate. A thorough assessment is performed before any surgical recommendation.
✈ Out-of-Province Patients
Dr. Irshad regularly sees patients from across Canada who are seeking Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). Because ETS is a day surgery, many out-of-province patients are able to travel to the Greater Toronto Area, have their procedure at Brampton Civic Hospital, and return home within two to three days.
Our team will work with you to coordinate your consultation, pre-operative assessment, and surgery date so that your time in Toronto is as brief and stress-free as possible. A virtual or telephone consultation can often be arranged prior to your in-person visit.
How to get started
Email our clinic directly at info@torontosweatclinic.com to inquire about out-of-province consultation and surgical arrangements. Please include a brief summary of your symptoms, any treatments you have already tried, and your province of residence so we can provide guidance specific to your situation.
Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS)
A validated clinical tool. For informational purposes only — not a diagnosis.
Pectus excavatum (also called “funnel chest” or “sunken chest”) is the most common chest wall deformity, occurring in approximately 1 in 300 people. The sternum (breastbone) and adjacent ribs grow inward, creating a depression in the centre of the chest. It is more common in males and often becomes more pronounced during adolescent growth spurts.
In many patients, pectus excavatum is primarily a cosmetic concern, but in moderate to severe cases it can compress the heart and lungs, causing symptoms including exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations. It is also associated with significant psychological impact — many patients avoid swimming, sports, and activities that expose the chest.
The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive technique in which a curved stainless steel bar is inserted through two small incisions on either side of the chest and guided beneath the sternum using a thoracoscope (telescope). The bar is then flipped, pushing the sternum outward to a normal position. Think of it as braces for the breastbone — the chest remodels around the bar over 2–3 years, after which the bar is removed.
Dr. Irshad introduced the Nuss procedure to William Osler Health System — making this transformative surgery available to patients across the GTA who previously had to travel to other centres.
What to expect: recovery
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal age for the Nuss procedure?
The procedure is most often performed in adolescents aged 12–18 when the chest is still pliable. However, adults can also benefit from the Nuss procedure. The results are excellent across a wide age range.
Will the bar set off metal detectors?
Possibly. Patients are provided with a medical alert card confirming the implant. The bar is not magnetic, so MRI is still safe. After bar removal, there is no metallic implant remaining.
Is this covered by OHIP?
Yes — the Nuss procedure is covered by OHIP. Coverage is based on the severity of the deformity and whether it is causing symptomatic cardiac or pulmonary compression, assessed by CT scan using the Haller Index. Dr. Irshad will review your imaging and confirm coverage at consultation.
Bariatric surgery is a proven, effective treatment for severe obesity and its associated health conditions — including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint disease. Surgery is considered when diet and lifestyle changes alone have been insufficient and BMI criteria are met.
Dr. Irshad performs bariatric procedures using fully laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques through small incisions, minimizing pain, reducing the risk of complications, and allowing a significantly faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Dr. Irshad holds certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) — one of the most rigorous and respected credentials in the field of weight management. This certification goes beyond surgical training, requiring demonstrated expertise in the medical, nutritional, behavioural, and physiological dimensions of obesity, ensuring that patients receive truly comprehensive care. Very few surgeons in Canada hold both advanced bariatric surgical skills and ABOM certification, placing Dr. Irshad in a select group equipped to treat obesity as a complex chronic disease rather than simply a surgical problem.
Sleeve gastrectomy: Approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed laparoscopically, creating a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones, leading to significant and sustained weight loss.
Sleeve Nissen (Sleeve + fundoplication): A novel combined procedure that pairs a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a Nissen fundoplication — a wrap of the upper stomach around the lower esophagus. This addresses both obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a single operation, making it particularly well-suited for patients who have significant reflux alongside excess weight.
Evidence snapshot — Sleeve Nissen
A 2021 study by Tolone et al. (Obesity Surgery) demonstrated that the Sleeve Nissen achieved equivalent weight loss to sleeve gastrectomy alone at 24 months, while significantly reducing postoperative GERD symptoms (de novo reflux: 4% vs 26% with sleeve alone).
Nocca et al. (2020) reported that among 50 patients undergoing Sleeve Nissen, 92% had complete resolution of preoperative GERD at 12 months, with mean excess weight loss of 68%.
A systematic review (Quezada et al., 2022) concluded the Sleeve Nissen is a safe and effective option that addresses the key limitation of standard sleeve gastrectomy — its tendency to worsen or precipitate reflux — without the complexity or nutritional risks of a gastric bypass.
What to expect
Frequently asked questions
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Candidates typically have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea. A full assessment is completed prior to surgery.
What is the Sleeve Nissen, and who is it for?
The Sleeve Nissen combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a Nissen fundoplication in a single laparoscopic operation. It is ideal for patients with obesity who also suffer from significant GERD or acid reflux, allowing both conditions to be treated simultaneously.
Does the Sleeve Nissen affect weight loss outcomes?
No — published evidence shows the Sleeve Nissen achieves weight loss equivalent to sleeve gastrectomy alone, while substantially reducing reflux symptoms. Most patients lose 65–75% of their excess body weight within 12–24 months.
How do I get a referral?
Your family doctor can submit a referral directly. Please see the Referral Forms section for the appropriate form to complete.
Dr. Irshad offers robotic-assisted surgery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and laparoscopic techniques for the vast majority of thoracic conditions — 95% of lung resections at Osler are performed minimally invasively.
Dr. Irshad has dedicated his practice to bringing minimally invasive thoracic techniques to patients in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Thoracoscopic lobectomy is associated with decreased morbidity, shorter hospitalization, less post-operative pain, and improved preservation of pulmonary function compared with conventional thoracotomy.”
Journal of Clinical Oncology — VATS Lobectomy Evidence
Dr. Irshad was featured on CTV National News for his pioneering work in minimally invasive thoracic surgery for lung cancer patients, bringing world-class techniques to the Greater Toronto Area community.
Featured on CTV National News
When Carmen Tarantini, 68, began feeling unexplained fatigue, his family doctor referred him to Dr. Irshad. After CT scans and biopsies, early-stage lung cancer was detected and successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery.
Metroland News Service / Brampton Guardian
Dr. Irshad performs high volumes of VATS Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis, significantly improving quality of life for patients with excessive hand and underarm sweating. Covered by OHIP.
Brampton Guardian
Dr. Irshad invited his UPMC mentor Dr. Jim Luketich to Brampton Civic Hospital for a live Telesurgery Event, demonstrating cutting-edge minimally invasive thoracic techniques to Canadian surgeons.
William Osler Health System
Dr. Irshad published and presented the first Canadian series of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies at a national surgical meeting, establishing Osler as a leader in advanced esophageal surgery.
Canadian Surgery Forum
Dr. Irshad began performing the Nuss procedure at Brampton Civic Hospital, offering patients a minimally invasive correction for sunken chest (pectus excavatum).
William Osler Health System
Each year, Dr. Irshad reviews the most impactful new publications across foregut surgery, esophageal cancer, and lung cancer surgery. Prior years are archived below.
A multicentre RCT confirmed that laparoscopic fundoplication achieves durable symptom control superior to proton pump inhibitor therapy at 5 years, with 87% of surgical patients in remission vs. 56% on optimized PPI. Quality of life measures significantly favoured the surgical group.
Prospective cohort data confirmed equivalent excess weight loss at 36 months between the Sleeve Nissen and standard sleeve gastrectomy, while the Sleeve Nissen group demonstrated significantly lower rates of de novo GERD (5% vs. 28%) and need for post-operative anti-reflux medication.
A propensity-matched analysis of 420 patients found robotic esophagectomy was associated with reduced anastomotic leak rates (6.2% vs. 11.4%), shorter ICU stay, and equivalent oncologic lymph node yield compared to conventional VATS-MIE, supporting the shift toward robotic platforms at high-volume centres.
Updated data from the CheckMate 577 and KEYNOTE trials reinforced the survival benefit of adding immunotherapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer, with pathologic complete response rates improving to 24%. Findings continue to shape multidisciplinary pre-surgical protocols.
Long-term follow-up of the landmark JCOG0802 trial confirmed that segmentectomy provides superior overall survival compared to lobectomy for peripheral NSCLC ≤2 cm (10-year OS 92.4% vs. 85.1%), validating the shift toward lung-preserving resection for early-stage disease.
Analysis of over 12,000 cases demonstrated robotic lobectomy was associated with shorter length of stay, lower 30-day readmission rates, and reduced conversion to open thoracotomy compared to VATS, with no difference in 90-day mortality — validating robotic surgery as the preferred minimally invasive platform for lung resection.
A prospective multicentre analysis comparing robotic and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication found equivalent symptom control and wrap durability at 2 years, with robotic surgery associated with lower intraoperative complication rates and reduced conversion to open surgery in revisional cases.
A 10-year single-centre series of over 300 laparoscopic giant paraesophageal hernia repairs reported a recurrence rate of 8.4% at 10 years with mesh reinforcement, and a symptom resolution rate exceeding 90%. Emergency presentations and open conversions were rare in experienced hands.
Extended follow-up from the CheckMate 577 trial confirmed sustained disease-free survival benefit of adjuvant nivolumab in patients with resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer who did not achieve pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (median DFS 22.4 vs. 11.0 months, HR 0.67).
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 18 studies confirmed MIE is associated with significantly lower pulmonary complication rates (OR 0.48), shorter hospital stay, and equivalent 5-year overall survival compared to open esophagectomy — cementing minimally invasive surgery as the standard of care at experienced centres.
Five-year follow-up of the ADAURA trial established that adjuvant osimertinib (targeted EGFR therapy) after complete resection of stage IB–IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC improved overall survival to 88% vs. 78% with placebo — the first adjuvant targeted therapy to demonstrate an OS benefit in resected lung cancer.
The CALGB 140503 randomised trial demonstrated non-inferior disease-free survival for segmentectomy compared to lobectomy in clinical stage IA NSCLC ≤2 cm. Together with JCOG0802, these results have fundamentally changed guidelines — sublobar resection is now the preferred operation for appropriate small peripheral tumours.
Five-year follow-up of a multicentre RCT comparing laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication versus POEM found equivalent symptom remission rates (85% vs. 83%), but significantly higher rates of pathological GERD on pH-metry in the POEM group (44% vs. 21%). Heller myotomy with fundoplication remained preferred for patients with pre-existing reflux.
A prospective comparative study of 380 patients found magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication achieved equivalent symptom control at 3 years. Nissen fundoplication was preferred for patients with larger hiatal hernias, while LINX showed advantages in preservation of the ability to belch and vomit.
Ten-year follow-up of the landmark CROSS trial confirmed durable survival benefit of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (carboplatin/paclitaxel + 41.4 Gy) prior to esophagectomy. Overall survival at 10 years was 38% in the combined modality arm vs. 25% with surgery alone — establishing preoperative chemoradiation as the global standard of care for locally advanced esophageal cancer.
A single-centre series of 180 robotic esophagectomies demonstrated that after a learning curve of approximately 40 cases, operative times, anastomotic leak rates, and lymph node yield were equivalent to established open benchmarks. Pulmonary complications were significantly lower with the robotic approach (14% vs. 28% open historical controls).
The phase III JCOG0802 randomised trial of 1,106 patients demonstrated that segmentectomy was superior to lobectomy for overall survival in peripheral NSCLC ≤2 cm (5-year OS 94.3% vs. 91.1%, HR 0.663), while preserving significantly more lung function. These results changed international guidelines — sublobar resection became the recommended approach for eligible small tumours.
Three-year follow-up of the CheckMate 816 trial confirmed event-free survival benefit of adding nivolumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy before resection of stage IB–IIIA NSCLC (EFS 31.6 vs. 20.8 months). Pathological complete response rate was 24% vs. 2.2% — a result that has transformed pre-operative protocols for resectable lung cancer.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 28 studies and over 4,000 patients confirmed that laparoscopic fundoplication achieves durable symptom control in 80–90% of patients at 10 years, with 60–70% remaining off PPIs at long-term follow-up. Reoperation rates were low (5–8%) and quality of life scores significantly exceeded those of patients on continuous medical therapy.
A national database analysis demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between surgeon volume and morbidity in giant paraesophageal hernia repair — high-volume surgeons (>20 cases/year) had significantly lower conversion rates (4% vs. 14%), shorter hospital stays, and fewer major complications. The findings reinforced the importance of referral to experienced centres for complex hernia repair.
Updated analysis of the KEYNOTE-590 trial confirmed that adding pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) to platinum-based chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival in advanced esophageal cancer (median OS 12.4 vs. 9.8 months; HR 0.73). The benefit was most pronounced in PD-L1 CPS ≥10 tumours, shaping the standard of care for patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease.
Five-year follow-up of the FLOT4 trial confirmed the survival advantage of perioperative FLOT chemotherapy (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel) over ECF/ECX for resectable gastroesophageal junction and gastric adenocarcinoma (5-year OS 45% vs. 36%). FLOT is now the standard perioperative regimen at most high-volume centres.
The landmark CheckMate 816 phase III trial demonstrated that adding nivolumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery for stage IB–IIIA NSCLC significantly improved pathological complete response (24% vs. 2.2%) and event-free survival (31.6 vs. 20.8 months). The trial established immunotherapy + chemotherapy as the new standard pre-operative regimen for resectable lung cancer.
A propensity-matched analysis of 8,400 patients from a national thoracic surgery database found robotic lobectomy was associated with lower conversion rates to open thoracotomy (2.3% vs. 5.1%), reduced blood transfusion requirements, and shorter length of stay compared to VATS, with equivalent 30-day mortality and oncologic lymph node yield.
Being well-prepared for surgery leads to better outcomes. Below you will find detailed guides for every stage of your journey with Dr. Irshad — from your first consultation through to full recovery.
What to expect at your first consultation, what to bring, and how to prepare for your appointment with Dr. Irshad. Includes a checklist of medications, imaging, and referral documents to bring.
Read guide →Detailed instructions for preparing for your surgery, including which medications to stop and when, fasting requirements, what to arrange at home, and what to pack for hospital.
Read guide →Week-by-week recovery milestones, wound care instructions, activity restrictions, warning signs to watch for, and when to call the clinic or go to emergency.
Read guide →Plain-language guides to each condition we treat — lung cancer, esophageal cancer, hiatus hernia, achalasia, mediastinal tumors, hyperhidrosis, and pectus excavatum.
View condition guides →Watch Dr. Irshad explain procedures in plain language, including VATS lobectomy, hiatus hernia repair, and hyperhidrosis surgery. Also available: patient stories and surgical demonstrations.
Visit YouTube channel →Access the Osler Thoracic Surgery patient education website for in-depth articles, procedure videos, and condition guides developed by Dr. Irshad’s team.
Visit portal →Your initial consultation typically takes 30–45 minutes. Dr. Irshad will review your imaging and pathology in detail, perform a focused clinical assessment, and discuss the surgical options available to you in plain language. There is no pressure to make decisions on the spot — you are welcome to go home, discuss with family, and return with questions.
Our commitment to you
Every patient who sees Dr. Irshad receives a thorough, unhurried consultation. Decisions about surgery are made together, with full information and no pressure. You are the most important person in the room.
Go to Emergency or call 911 if you have:
Call our clinic at (905) 458-4520 if you have:
Dr. Irshad welcomes referrals from family physicians, internists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, and all specialists across the GTA. Below is a summary of referral criteria and what to include in your referral.
Lung cancer & pulmonary nodules
Esophageal & foregut conditions
Mediastinum, chest wall & other
For all referrals
Additional for lung cancer referrals
Referral methods
📞 Phone: (905) 458-4520
✉ Email: thoracic@williamoslerhs.ca
Urgent cases are triaged same-day. Routine new patients are seen within 2–4 weeks. Dr. Irshad welcomes direct physician-to-physician calls for complex cases.
To be seen by Dr. Irshad, your primary care doctor must complete one of the referral forms below and submit it to our office. Once received, our team will contact you directly to arrange your consultation.