5 Most Common Surgical Procedures

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.