B.C. naturopath banned from anorectal procedures while under investigation: college

A file photo of a physician’s examination room. (CTV News)

A naturopathic doctor in Burnaby has been banned from performing procedures on patients’ anorectal areas while the province’s professional regulator investigates him on allegations his work caused complications.

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C. ordered an “extraordinary action” on Dr. Luke Mountjoy’s practice on March 16, to protect the public until a discipline hearing is complete.

The allegations against Mountjoy have not been proven.

The college says it received complaints from two patients who developed abscesses following minor surgeries on their anorectal region (the anus and rectum). Regulators found Mountjoy caused, or likely caused, the complications and failed to take sufficient post-operative action to detect or address infections.

“The panel considered the alleged conduct serious and recognized the presence of factors that render the alleged conduct likely to recur,” a notice published Tuesday reads.

Mountjoy is currently prohibited from performing any banding or ligation procedures to remove hemorrhoids, surgically remove skin tags, or “any other procedure” on tissue below the dermis in that part of the body.

“This is not a final disposition, but an urgent, protective, and temporary measure that will remain in effect until the matter is concluded,” the college explained.