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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.

Recovering from a Sports Injury: How Our Experts Can Help

At Townsen Memorial, our mission has always been to provide accessible, patient-centered care across our Houston healthcare locations. We know that every patient has a unique story, and when it comes to sports injuries, proper treatment is key to returning to your active lifestyle.

As a trusted Houston hospital, we’ve worked hard to offer advanced Houston medical services that support patients from diagnosis through recovery. Our commitment to high-quality care helps us stand out as a leader in sports injury treatment.

Why Early Treatment is Critical

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone who enjoys weekend activities, sports injuries can happen when you least expect them. Unfortunately, many people delay care or try to push through the pain, risking long-term damage. The right treatment can make the difference between full recovery and chronic discomfort.

At Townsen Memorial, our Houston medical services are designed to give patients the best chance at safe, effective healing — because ignoring an injury can lead to complications like joint instability, recurring pain, or reduced mobility.

Houston Medical Services: Advanced Imaging Options

Imaging is one of the most important tools in diagnosing sports injuries. At select Townsen Memorial Houston healthcare locations, we offer MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays to help our physicians understand the full extent of your injury.

Imaging allows us to view bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in detail, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses. This step ensures we create a customized treatment plan that fits your unique situation. As a trusted Houston hospital, we know that better imaging means better results for our patients.

How Townsen Treats Your Injuries

Once your injury is diagnosed, our expert care teams are ready to help you heal. At Townsen Memorial, our comprehensive treatment options for sports injuries include:

  • Pain Management: Our specialists can provide advanced pain relief options, including injections and minimally invasive procedures, available at many Houston healthcare locations.
  • Orthopedic Surgery: For severe injuries, our surgeons offer expert orthopedic care, ranging from joint repair to ligament reconstruction.
  • Outpatient Surgery: Our Houston hospital outpatient centers allow for same-day procedures that minimize downtime and support faster recovery.

Every service we provide is focused on helping you heal safely and return to the activities you love.

What We Can Do For You

From the moment you visit one of our Houston healthcare locations, you’ll receive patient-first care designed around your needs. Our physicians take time to listen, answer your questions, and create a recovery plan that works for your lifestyle. As a leading Houston hospital, our team is committed to making sure every patient feels heard, supported, and confident throughout their treatment journey.

Find Patient-First Care with Townsen Memorial

Recovering from a sports injury takes expert care, advanced technology, and a team you can trust. At Townsen Memorial, patients receive personalized care at Houston healthcare locations designed for comfort and convenience. If you’re dealing with a sports injury, trust our Houston medical services to guide your recovery. Schedule your appointment today and let Townsen Memorial help you get back to doing what you love.

Top Tips for Recovering After Outpatient Surgery

Outpatient surgery offers a convenient and efficient way to receive necessary medical procedures without requiring an overnight hospital stay. However, proper post-surgical care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications. At Townsen Memorial Health System, we are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care across our Houston healthcare locations. Whether you undergo surgery at a Houston hospital or one of our outpatient centers, following the right recovery steps will help you heal safely and effectively.

Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully

Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure. These guidelines cover everything from wound care to activity restrictions. Follow them closely to avoid complications and ensure a faster recovery.

  • Take medications as prescribed, including antibiotics and pain relievers.
  • Follow wound care instructions to prevent infection.
  • Avoid strenuous activities until your doctor gives you clearance.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

If you have any concerns about your recovery, contact your Houston medical services provider immediately.

Manage Pain and Discomfort

Pain management is a crucial part of the recovery process. Most patients experience some level of discomfort after surgery, but proper management can make it more tolerable.

  • Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Keep the surgical area elevated, if applicable, to minimize discomfort.
  • Engage in gentle movement, as advised, to prevent stiffness.

If your pain becomes severe or does not improve with medication, contact your Houston hospital or healthcare provider for guidance.

Prioritize Rest and Hydration

Your body needs time to heal, and rest is one of the most effective ways to support recovery. Make sure to:

  • Get enough sleep and rest during the day.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to support healing.

Proper rest and hydration not only speed up recovery but also reduce the risk of complications.

Recognize Signs of Complications

While most outpatient surgeries are low-risk, complications can still arise. It’s essential to recognize warning signs and seek medical attention if needed. Contact your Houston healthcare locations if you experience:

  • Excessive pain that does not improve with medication.
  • Persistent fever.
  • Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site.
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Ease Back Into Daily Activities

Many patients are eager to resume their daily routines, but it’s important to ease back into activities gradually.

  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding work, exercise, and driving.
  • Start with light activities and gradually increase movement as you feel comfortable.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities until fully healed.

Rushing your recovery could lead to setbacks, so listen to your body and allow yourself time to heal.

Maintain A Healthy You

Recovering from outpatient surgery requires careful attention to post-operative care, pain management, and a gradual return to daily activities. By following these steps and working with your healthcare provider, you can ensure a safe and successful recovery.

At Townsen Memorial Health System, we are dedicated to providing high-quality Houston medical services across our Houston healthcare locations. If you need post-surgical support or have concerns about your recovery, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a follow-up and receive the expert care you deserve.