BC naturopath barred from doing hemorrhoid surgery after complaints

A BC naturopathic doctor has had conditions put on his licence barring him from surgically removing hemorrhoids or skin tags after complaints from patients.

According to a March 16 College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC, Luke Mountjoy is currently under investigation after two patients reported to the regulator that they developed abscesses after procedures.

The public notice says the two patients had Mountjoy perform minor surgeries in the anorectal region and then experienced post-operative complications.

The regulator has now put temporary restrictions on the Burnaby-based naturopathic physician.

“(Mountjoy) is prohibited from performing any banding or ligation procedures removing hemorrhoids, surgical removal of skin tags, and any other procedure on tissue below the dermis in the anorectal region,” the public notice says. “This is not a final disposition, but an urgent, protective, and temporary measure that will remain in effect until the matter is concluded.”

The public notice gives few details of what took place but says Mountjoy performed procedures that “caused, or likely caused,” the patients to develop abscesses, and failed to take sufficient post-operative action to detect or address infections.

“The regulator was concerned that there is a risk of the alleged conduct being repeated if an interim order is not made. Having weighed the different options and the circumstances of this case and having considered the impact on the (Mountjoy), the (regulator) concluded that… limit(s) on practice is proportionate and sufficient to protect the public during the investigation or pending a discipline hearing,” the notice says.

According to the College, Mountjoy became registered in 2020 and currently practices at the North American Hemorrhoid Centre, Heart Fit Clinic Burnaby, as well as the Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre in Fort Langley.

None of the allegations against Mountjoy has been proven.