It is estimated that 234 million surgeries are performed each year worldwide. This means that 1 out of every 25 people will have a surgical procedure done each year. Having to undergo surgery may seem frightening, but if you have a painful condition that can be cured with surgery, it is beneficial to consider it. While no surgery is without risk, weighing out the benefits versus risks is a good way to make that kind of decision.
Some surgical procedures are a lot more common than you may think, and doctors have successfully performed these procedures many times over.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control all aspects of your metabolism. It affects your heart rate as well as how quickly you burn calories. A Thyroidectomy may be recommended as a treatment for thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.
Breast Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells for testing. It is also used to remove abnormal breast tissue. A biopsy may be done using a hollow needle to extract tissue, or a lump may be partially or completely removed for examination and/or treatment.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is the removal of all or part of the breast. Mastectomies are usually done to treat breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomies such as partial mastectomy, total mastectomy, or modified radical mastectomy.
- A partial (segmental) mastectomy involves the removal of the breast cancer and a larger portion of the normal breast tissue around the breast cancer.
- A total (or simple) mastectomy is when the surgeon removes the entire breast, including the nipple, the areola, and most of the overlying skin, and may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm, also called the axillary lymph glands.
- Modified radical mastectomy is when the surgeon removes the entire breast (including the nipple, the areola, and the overlying skin), some of the lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles. In some cases, part of the chest wall muscles is also removed.
Partial Colectomy
A partial colectomy is the removal of part of the large intestine (colon) which may be done to treat colon cancer or inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.
Appendectomy
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat acute appendicitis. Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of this tube due to infection.
A medical professional informing you that you need surgery can be scary, but rest assured, you are in the right hands at Townsen Memorial Hospital and Emergency Room. Our skilled surgeons provide patients with the best quality surgical care and offer services in multiple medical specialties. Our facilities contain the most up-to-date medical technology, allowing our experienced surgeons to perform surgeries laparoscopically or with very minimal scarring. Our surgeons are dedicated to ensuring an efficient surgery and a smooth recovery, allowing you to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You
At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.
Dr. Andrew Tsao Huang, MD FACS, is an Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery specialist as well as an Associate Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. After finishing his undergraduate and medical degree (MD) at the University of Miami (FL), he went on to do his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University followed by fellowship training at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, achieving certifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Head and Neck Society, and a fellowship from the American College of Surgeons.
A Proud Member of the Townsen Memorial Health System
In early September of this year, our esteemed Dr. Andrew Huang performed his 300th Inspire procedure. This procedure has helped thousands of people across the country manage their symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. As a condition that affects millions of adults in America alone, this is an impressive feat made by one of our own.
We are proud to have Dr. Huang working with Townsen Memorial Health System and would like to congratulate him on this achievement. We are looking forward to his bright future and thank him for helping make our goal of accessible and patient-centered healthcare happen.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA for short, is a disorder that affects an estimated 39 million adults in the U.S. and over a billion worldwide. Not only is OSA a significant cause of poor sleep, it also is associated with early heart attack, stroke, and death if left untreated.
It commonly happens because the soft tissue in the airway collapses during sleep resulting in blockage to the windpipe, blocking the passage of air. This often leads to snoring or other disruptive events, such as waking up due to lack of oxygen. Other common symptoms of OSA include: feeling tired or exhausted when waking up, sleepiness during the day, mood changes or disorders, disruptions to brain function, headaches, and insomnia. If untreated, OSA can increase the risk of other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, and stroke.
The Wonder of The Inspire Procedure
While there are many ways to treat OSA, through lifestyle changes or positive airway pressure (PAP) machines, The Inspire procedure has opened a better way of treatment for those with this condition. Compared to a PAP machine, this implant addresses the problem from the root of the cause. It sends gentle pulses that move the tongue out of the way, allowing for better airflow and intake during sleep.
The Inspire procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that can be done as an outpatient. Often taking an estimated 90 minutes, an Inspire-trained doctor makes two small incisions to place the implant near the collarbone and connects it to a nerve that controls the tongue. With some over-the-counter pain medication, those who undergo this procedure recover within just a few days.
Let Townsen Memorial Be Your Partner in Healthcare
At Townsen Memorial Health System, we put the needs of our patients above everything. We seek out the latest innovations in the medical field to provide the best possible healthcare solutions, and offering the Inspire Procedure is a testament to that.
With OSA affecting many people across the country, we want to help by providing an effective, long-term solution for their healthcare needs. With many experienced doctors on our team, like our very own Dr. Huang, we are able to provide the most advanced personalized care. Let Townsen Memorial Health System be your partner in achieving a healthier life and experience excellence in healthcare every step of the way. Do you or someone you love suffer from OSA? Get in touch with us today to inquire about the Inspire Procedure.
At Townsen Memorial Health System, we're committed to delivering compassionate, individualized care to all patients. Our focus on accessibility and innovation drives us to continuously enhance healthcare outcomes using the latest technologies and treatments. With this ethos in mind, we're thrilled to introduce our brand-new Surgery Center and Imaging Center in Katy, Texas. These state-of-the-art facilities are poised to bring high-quality medical services closer to the community, ensuring that individuals in the Greater Houston Area have access to the care they need when they need it most.
Welcome to Townsen Memorial Surgery Center - Katy
Our newest surgery center is outfitted with four advanced operating rooms, ensuring that we can cater to your specialized healthcare needs with precision and efficiency. Led by a team of highly trained doctors, surgeons, and support staff, we offer a comprehensive range of outpatient procedures designed to prioritize your comfort and well-being. From bariatric surgery to urology procedures, our services cover a diverse spectrum of healthcare needs. Whether you're seeking treatment for orthopedic issues or interventional pain management, you can trust Townsen Memorial Surgery Center - Katy to provide personalized care tailored to your unique requirements. Experience excellence in healthcare at our state-of-the-art facility, where your health and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Experience Advanced Imaging Excellence at Townsen Memorial Imaging - Katy
Right next door to our Katy Surgery Center is our imaging facility, equipped with the most advanced technology, including MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, EMG, and ECHO machines. With these state-of-the-art tools, we ensure that you receive the highest quality and most accurate diagnostic imaging services available. You can read all about what our cutting-edge imaging machines can do for you in this series of blog posts. Our skilled clinical staff and imaging technicians are dedicated to providing you with expert care in a convenient and comfortable environment. Whether you're in need of a routine scan or more specialized imaging, you can trust Townsen Memorial Imaging - Katy to deliver personalized and precise care tailored to your individual needs. Experience the difference that true individualized care can make for your health and well-being at our exceptional imaging center.
Join Us at Our Open House & Explore Career Opportunities at Townsen Memorial Health System
Eager to see our newest facilities up close? We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to Townsen Memorial Health System's highly anticipated Open House event: Katy Surgery & Imaging Center, taking place on Thursday, March 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM CDT. Step into our cutting-edge facility located at 20823 Park Row, Katy, TX 77449, and immerse yourself in the innovative world of modern healthcare.
Calling all doctors, healthcare professionals, technicians, and technologists: this is your chance to explore rewarding career opportunities with us. At Townsen Memorial, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in healthcare. Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients in our community.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the endless possibilities that await you at Townsen Memorial Health System. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can become a part of our passionate and dedicated team. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!
