Leading Medicine Winter 2021, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 2021

Start the New Year Off Right: Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR HEALTH Advanced Treatment for Back Pain YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

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fter the holidays, people everywhere resolve to lose weight, but it’s hard to stick with your goals as the weeks go by.

If you’ve had setbacks when trying to lose weight before, it’s time for a fresh approach this year. Your best chance for long-term success is to develop a sensible weight loss plan built on a foundation of healthy habits.

Dr. Nabil Tariq Dr. Nabil Tariq, board-certified bariatric surgeon with Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, understands the struggle of losing weight and how to create a sustainable plan for weight loss. He shared the following tips for staying on track with your weight loss resolution for the new year.

1

Make a commitment to your health. Start the new year by looking at your priorities and making the decision to invest time and energy toward improving your health. When you’re feeling stressed or ready to give up, remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to lose weight and be healthy.

2

Add more exercise to your day. Physical activity can burn calories, curb your appetite and give you an emotional boost — which is important when you’re trying to lose weight. “The best kind of physical activity for successful weight loss is one that you enjoy and will stick with,” Tariq said. “Try pairing a relaxing activity like listening to music or watching your favorite TV show to exercise.” Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day — going for a walk is a great way to start. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

3

Check up on your eating habits. Consider tracking your eating patterns to get a sense of portion sizes and identify high-calorie foods in your diet. Find ways to swap in low-fat alternatives, high-fiber foods and lean protein to help you feel full longer. “The key is to make changes to your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term,” Tariq said. “You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just losing weight for a special event.”

4

Explore weight loss programs. Ask your doctor about safe and effective ways to achieve a healthy weight for you.

“If you’ve tried everything to lose weight and it’s not working, it may be time to consider medical weight management or bariatric

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surgery,” Tariq said. Your doctor can provide guidance to help you set realistic goals and make a plan to lose weight.

5

Join a support group for weight loss. While eating right and exercising can help move the numbers on the scale, it’s your mindset and attitude that will help you be successful in the long run. Sharing your successes and setbacks with others can help you stay motivated to reach your goals.

START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY Losing weight — and keeping it off — is a major life change. To help you along the way, the Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land offers the following weight loss services and programs: StepLITE® is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started.

The program includes a diet plan, weekly check-ins and group sessions with licensed professionals.

Medical Weight Management is a threephase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss.

Bariatric surgery can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems. Our surgeons and weight loss specialists are here to help you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you.

To learn more about your options, visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-management or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).

WEIGHT LOSS ORIENTATION VIRTUAL SESSIONS Date: Tuesday, Jan. 26 | Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 25 | Time: Noon Date: Tuesday, March 23 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Virtual Webinar Learn more about losing weight with bariatric surgery.

Attend a live webinar with Dr. Nabil Tariq about weight loss surgery options.

Registration is required. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 832.667.5673 for more information and to register.

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS   3

10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR COLON HEALTHY How Fiber, Fruit and Fitness Can Help

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orried about developing colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in men and women? The good news is that colorectal cancer Dr. Lisa is highly treatable when Haubert caught early, and in many cases, it is even preventable by establishing key healthy habits.

TAKE AN ACTIVE APPROACH

According to Dr. Lisa Haubert, boardcertified colorectal surgeon with Houston Methodist Surgical Associates at Sugar Land, being proactive about your health can go a long way in keeping your colon healthy. She recommends following these 10 habits for a healthier colon: 1. Boost calcium. Calcium may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Get it from almonds, low-fat milk, dark-green veggies, cottage cheese and yogurt. “Men, however, may want to limit calcium to 1,500 mg a day, as too much calcium may increase the risk of prostate cancer,” Haubert said.

2. Eat more fruits and veggies, whole grains and brown rice. They’re good sources of fiber, which adds bulk to the waste that moves through your intestines.

3. Seek a bit of sun. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. It comes mainly from sunlight (10 minutes a day is all you need), but can also be found in salmon, mackerel, fortified milk and eggs.

4. “B” smart. Folic acid, an essential B vitamin, may reduce your risk of colon cancer. “Lentils, collard greens, chickpeas, asparagus, broccoli, peas, papaya and oranges are all good sources of folic acid,” Haubert said.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH WEBINAR Date: Thursday, March 18 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Virtual Webinar Get the facts about GI health at our digestive health webinar led by Dr. Franz Schneider with Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates and Dr. Ali Mahmood with Houston Methodist Surgical Associates who will discuss recommended screenings, signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, colon cancer and prevention and treatment. Registration is required. Visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.274.7500.

Schedule an Appointment

To make an appointment with Dr. Lisa Haubert or another colorectal surgeon with Houston Methodist Surgical Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.242.3300.

5. Quit smoking. Smoking can cause colorectal cancer, so if you smoke, quit.

6. Get slim. Obesity raises the risk of colon cancer in both men and women.

If you’re overweight, ask your health care provider about a weight loss plan that will work for you.

7. Cut back on meat. Eating too much red or processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Haubert recommends everything in moderation and choosing chicken and fish as alternatives.

8. Avoid or limit alcohol. Drinking too much (more than one drink a day for women; two for men) can cause colon problems.

4 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

9. Stay active. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends getting 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week.

It may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

10. Get screened. The ACS recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.

“A colonoscopy is the gold standard when it comes to colon cancer screening,” said Haubert. “Your doctor looks inside your large intestine using a tiny camera that’s attached to a long, thin tube. Schedule your appointment now — people who get screened regularly greatly reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.”

ADVANCED TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

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re you experiencing back pain? Most back pain resolves on its own with nonsurgical treatments like antiinflammatory medications, heat or ice, therapeutic massage and physical therapy.

But if nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked and you’re experiencing weakness or difficulty performing basic activities like standing or Dr. Dani Bidros walking, you should see your doctor.

Having spine surgery is usually a last resort for those dealing with persistent back pain. If you have back problems due to structural issues that can be helped by surgery, your doctor may advise you on your options. There are risks involved as with any surgery, but advancements in spine surgery have made it possible to use minimally Dr. Patrick Shih invasive techniques that allow for smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times.

During minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon makes several smaller incisions instead of one long incision down the back for open surgery. A thin telescope-like instrument called an endoscope, with a tiny video camera is inserted through the incision, allowing the surgeon to view real-time images and use small tools to perform surgery on the spine.

“Although surgery doesn’t relieve all types of back pain, it’s an effective solution for certain types of back problems,” explained Dr. Dani Bidros, board-certified neurosurgeon with Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. Surgery may be recommended if you suffer from: Degenerative disk disease or herniated disks Fractures or injuries to the bones in the spine Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (abnormal curvatures of the spine) Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the lower back slips forward on top of another) Weak or unstable spine caused by infections or tumors “Spine surgery can relieve symptoms and restore day-to-day functioning for those affected by persistent and disabling back pain,” said Dr. Patrick Shih, also a board-certified neurosurgeon with Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. The following are types of spine surgery that can be performed using minimally invasive techniques:

Explore Treatment Options

Our team of specialists can help uncover the cause of your back pain and guide you through treatment and rehabilitation. To make an appointment with a specialist at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.

D iskectomy is a common surgery done to remove the herniated portion of a disk pressing on a nerve.

L aminectomy or decompression surgery relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis by removing bone to enlarge the spinal canal.

S pinal fusion permanently fuses two vertebrae together to eliminate painful movement between them. “Spinal fusion may be done to help with degenerative disk disease, recurrent herniated disks, spinal deformities, spinal instability and other disorders,” said Shih.

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STAY ON TOP OF

YOUR HEALTH 7 Ways to Improve Your Health

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anaging your health should always be a top priority, even when there’s a lot going on in life. This is especially true during a pandemic when it’s Dr. Ali Sawal important to do what you can to stay healthy and safe. Focusing on preventive care can help you be prepared, and protect yourself and others.

Dr. Ali Sawal, a board-certified family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street, says the goal of preventive care is to provide guidance for optimal health and well-being. “Making good health choices now can help you live a longer and more functional life,” Sawal said.

AN ANNUAL 1SCHEDULE CHECKUP

You may be reluctant to go in for a checkup when you’re feeling fine

healthwise. But, being proactive about your health can prevent bigger, more expensive health problems down the road — and it can even save your life.

Essential tip: Managing your health is easier when you build a relationship with a primary care provider who knows you and your health history.

Did you know: Virtual visits allow you to see your doctor from the comfort of home via phone or computer.

2 KEEP UP WITH HEALTH TESTS Your doctor may recommend a cholesterol test, blood pressure screening, blood glucose test, mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate screening or other health tests. These tests can identify potential health problems so they can be prevented, treated or managed.

Essential tip: Ask your doctor about recommended screening tests for you based on your age, health history and other factors.

6 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Did you know: Screening tests increase the chances of detecting certain cancers early, which provides more treatment options because they can be addressed sooner.

3 GET A FLU SHOT

Vaccines provide protection for you and others against infectious diseases, such as flu, measles and pneumonia, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. “This year, it’s absolutely essential to get your flu vaccine and other vaccines recommended by your doctor,” Sawal added.

Essential tip: Contact your primary care office to schedule flu shots and other vaccines for yourself and your family.

Did you know: It’s not too late to get a flu shot if you haven’t already. Although it’s best to get your flu shot as soon as it’s available in the fall, getting a flu shot later still provides protection for the rest of flu season into April and May.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR Staying on top of your health during these challenging times starts with having a quality primary care doctor.

Here’s what to consider when determining the best one for you: B oard certification. Is the doctor board certified? This means he or she has proven expertise and can provide the highest quality care possible.

OVID-19 safety measures.

C Does the primary care doctor’s office have safety measures in place, such as enforcing social distancing and implementing disinfectant protocols for the staff?

Convenience and accessibility.

How accessible is the doctor?

Access to virtual visits, text-toschedule, online scheduling and

multiple locations across the Greater Houston area make a difference when you see your doctor on a regular basis.

We’re Here for You

Our physicians are safely seeing patients in-person and virtually with safety measures in place to protect patients from COVID-19.

Stay connected with your health by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Visit houstonmethodist.org/blog-stay-connected to sign up to receive the Houston Methodist On Health e-newsletter.

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TAKE MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED

Following your doctor’s instructions for taking medications is an essential step in managing diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other conditions. Unfortunately, up to one-half of all prescribed medications are not taken as prescribed, according to a study in the American Journal of Accountable Care. “You’re risking your health if you skip doses or don’t take medications as directed,” Sawal said.

Essential tip: Have an honest conversation with your doctor or pharmacist to address any questions or concerns about your medications.

Did you know: Talk to your doctor if you’re having side effects or other concerns about your medications, including costs. Your doctor may decide to make adjustments to the dosing or prescribe a different medication that works better for you.

Did you know: In a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 68% of Americans reported feeling anxious about the possibility of family or loved ones getting COVID-19. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to function, talk to your doctor.

6 MAKE HEALTHY CHANGES

If you need some motivation and support for making changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, talk to your primary care provider first. He or she can provide guidance to help you get started and support with tools or medications to help you be successful.

Essential tip: Your chances of success go up when you have medical support for quitting smoking or losing weight.

Did you know: If you’re overweight or obese, losing 5% of your body weight can have some big benefits for your health, including lower cholesterol, lower

blood pressure, reduced inflammation, reduced cancer risk and improved diabetes management.

7 DON’T DELAY HEALTH CARE

You may be inclined to “wait it out” and delay getting medical care when something is wrong. However, it’s important to seek medical care when you have concerns about your health. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Essential tip: Don’t hesitate to call 911 for emergency medical help.

For nonurgent health issues, make an appointment with your primary care doctor and write down some questions and notes about your symptoms.

Did you know: Worrying about the costs of health care shouldn’t be a barrier to your health. Detecting a health issue early can help avoid bigger problems later on, saving you money and improving your life in the long run.

5 TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Millions of people are affected by mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Talking about what’s going on and getting help with therapy or medications can help you start feeling better.

Essential tip: Your primary care doctor can assist with mental health concerns, including screening for depression.

Make an Appointment

Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali Sawal or another primary care doctor in Fort Bend County.

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PLANNING A SAFE AND HEALTHY

BIRTHING EXPERIENCE

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s your due date approaches, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

In addition to all the usual questions about what to expect, you may Dr. Jane Starr also be thinking about the risk of you or your baby contracting COVID-19. A hospital birth is still a safe option for delivering your baby and can give you the confidence that extra precautions are being taken.

SPECIALIZED CARE FOR MOM AND BABY

“Whether you’re an experienced mom or expecting your first baby, there are several key factors to look for in a hospital to have the safest and healthiest birth experience,” said Dr. Jane Starr, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and Obstetrics section chair at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Labor, delivery and postpartum support. “A supportive nursing staff that goes above and beyond in caring for you is important,” said Starr. “They will listen to your needs and support you during a critical time.”

Experienced doctors and nurses.

“Having your baby in a hospital can also give you peace of mind knowing that if complications arise, you and your baby are in good hands with physicians and nurses trained to handle complex cases,” Starr said.

Specialized care for newborns. If your baby ends up needing extra care for health problems, our level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is ready to provide around-the-clock care.

A comfortable setting. Birthing suites designed to provide care for mother and baby in the same room are ideal for promoting skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support in one place. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you’ll have access to support from a lactation consultant should you need help getting started.

We’re Here for You

KEEPING YOU AND BABY SAFE

Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land has additional protections in place to provide a safe and secure birth experience, including: An essential visitor policy allows maternity, postpartum and NICU patients to have one healthy partner/ parent visitor.

P atients and essential visitors are screened for fever and other symptoms before entering the hospital and are required to wear a mask.

Staff members use safe social distancing best practices and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when interacting with you and your baby.

Mothers and babies stay together in the same room, where baby’s routine care is also provided.

Stringent cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces and equipment is performed on a regular basis.

Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land is focused on you and your baby every step of the way. Call 281.274.7500 to learn more about childbirth education classes, including online classes, for expecting parents. Visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-sl to find an obstetrician-gynecologist, take a virtual tour or register for a virtual class.

8 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

DON'T DELAY RECOMMENDED

CANCER SCREENINGS P ostponed and canceled events have become the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But when it comes to your health, delaying tests or treatments may have Dr. Patrick E. negative consequences Prath in the long run. Cancer isn’t stopping or slowing down in this pandemic, and that’s why we need to be vigilant about cancer prevention and screening.

“Detecting cancer early, when it’s most treatable, is why it’s crucial to keep up with appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations for cancer screenings,” said Dr. Patrick E. Prath, fellowshiptrained hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land.

rank high on the list. However, you should always prioritize your health, even when life is busy.

“I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.”

The fear of pain or embarrassment is a common reason why people don’t get screened regularly. You might be worried about discomfort during a mammogram or the inconvenience of preparing for a colonoscopy. Finding out what to expect can help remove the unknowns and relieve those fears.

“I don’t need a cancer screening test.”

You might believe that you’re too young or healthy to worry about cancer. “You may think you’re not at risk for developing cancer because there’s no history of cancer in your family. However, there are many factors that can affect your cancer risk — that’s why routine cancer screenings are recommended to detect cancer early — before you have symptoms,” Prath said.

“I’m worried about COVID-19.” At Houston Methodist, we’re taking every precaution to prevent the spread of illness and make your visit as safe as possible.

Some of the ways we’re protecting patients and staff include: Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival.

Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment.

Implementing additional sanitation processes for disinfecting equipment and surfaces.

CONNECT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

If you have concerns about your risk for cancer, talk to your doctor about a screening schedule that’s right for you. If you do not have a primary care physician, you can find one by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or by calling 832.416.1678.

DON’T SKIP SCREENINGS

There are plenty of excuses for not following through with recommended cancer screenings, but ultimately your health is at stake. Here are some common excuses and ways to overcome those hurdles: “I don’t have time.” When you’re juggling many responsibilities and prioritizing your to-do list, scheduling a mammogram or colonoscopy may not

Compassionate Cancer Care

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or if you need a second opinion, call 281.201.6669 to make an in-person or virtual appointment with Dr. Patrick E. Prath or another oncologist with Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl to learn more about our services.

CANCER SCREENING TESTS The following chart includes National Cancer Institute screening recommendations for people at average risk for cancer. Your doctor may recommend a screening schedule based on your health, age and other risk factors.

SCREENING TEST

AGE

FREQUENCY

Cervical cancer screening

Starting at age 21

Every 3-5 years

Mammogram

Talk to your doctor starting at age 40

Every 1-2 years

Colonoscopy

Starting at age 45

Every 10 years

Lung cancer screening

Current or former smokers ages 55-77

Every year

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Could Getting Sick

Harm Your

HEART? Y

ou likely know some of the common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. But some of the Dr. Moritz C. additional risks to your Wyler von heart are hidden and Ballmoos unexpected. One example of this is a viral or bacterial infection that causes an inflammatory response in the body.

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association linked infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, to an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the following three months. “Severe cases of COVID-19 and the flu can also harm the heart and circulatory system,” noted Dr. Moritz C. Wyler von Ballmoos, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Sugar Land. “The infections increase the risk that fatty plaque built up in the blood vessels will rupture, leading to heart attack or stroke.”

Researchers discovered that many people who have died of COVID-19 had formed blood clots throughout their bodies, including in their smallest blood vessels. This unusual clotting can cause multiple complications, including heart attack and stroke.

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE CAN LEAD TO BLOOD CLOTS

“Infections generally trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body,” explained Wyler von Ballmoos.

“Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling the immune system to send infection-fighting cells to the site.” The body activates white blood cell production

to help fight the infection, a process that increases the stickiness of platelets. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that could block blood flow to the heart or brain, increasing the risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Experiencing a mild respiratory illness or other infection likely doesn’t pose a significant risk to your heart health. However, the risks go up with serious infections or when a person has underlying health issues or existing heart and vascular conditions. A recent study found that 1 in 8 adults hospitalized with flu experienced a sudden, serious heart complication.*

TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT ILLNESS

Keep your family healthy and do your part to prevent the spread of illness by getting recommended vaccines, staying home when you’re sick, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and wearing a cloth mask in public.

“Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wyler von Ballmoos. “It’s especially important for people with certain underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes. People with these conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu. Many of these conditions also increase the risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19.”

You can reduce the risks of a serious infection by being proactive about your health care. If you’re concerned about a urinary tract infection, skin infection, respiratory illness or other type of infection, pay attention to your health and monitor your symptoms. Watch for worsening symptoms and contact your doctor with questions. Bacterial infections may need treatment with an antibiotic, and viral infections may need treatment with an antiviral medication. * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Schedule an Appointment

To make an appointment with Dr. Moritz C. Wyler von Ballmoos or another cardiothoracic surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 713.352.1820.

10 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED

HERNIA REPAIR Y ou spent the weekend moving furniture — and now something doesn’t feel right. You feel pain or pressure in your lower abdomen or groin and a sensation of heaviness or tugging.

Is this what a hernia feels like?

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscular wall. In some Dr. Katherine cases, a bulge may appear under the skin and Baxter grow larger when you lift heavy objects, strain, cough or sneeze. It may diminish when lying down or applying gentle pressure.

A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MEN

“Hernias are common in men over age 40, but they can affect men and women of all ages as well as children,” said Dr. Katherine Baxter, general surgeon at Houston Methodist Surgical Associates at Sugar Land.

There are several different types of hernias: I nguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, and they occur more often in men than in women. Inguinal hernias occur when a portion of intestine or internal fat protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the groin.

H iatal hernias happen when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often causing acid reflux when stomach contents leak into the esophagus.

U mbilical hernias are most common in newborns and babies under six months old. Umbilical hernias may appear as a bulge under the navel, and they generally go away by the time a child is one year old.

I ncisional hernias occur when an internal organ pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall caused by an incision from a previous surgery.

“If you think you may have a hernia, it’s important to see your doctor. Most of the time, hernias do not go away without treatment, and may become dangerous if left untreated,” Baxter said. Generally, a health care provider can diagnose a hernia by touch. If there is no obvious bulge, an imaging test, such as an ultrasound may be used.

Ease the Pain

Hernia repair is a low-risk procedure that can relieve your pain so you can get back to your normal activities. To make an appointment with Dr. Katherine Baxter or another general surgeon at Houston Methodist Surgical Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.763.2502.

HERNIA TREATMENT WITH SURGERY

Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the hernia — especially in cases when the hernia is growing larger or causing pain. A hernia may be repaired with open surgery (one large incision), laparoscopic surgery (several small incisions) or robotic-assisted surgery (several small incisions using the da Vinci® Surgical System).

“With laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, patients typically benefit from less pain and quicker recovery times compared with open surgery. The surgeon uses a small instrument with a lens or camera on the end to see inside the abdomen and make the repair,” Baxter added.

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SEEING A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR Is Still Important

For everything from annual checkups to managing chronic conditions, taking care of your health should always be a priority.

Houston Methodist primary care doctors are still available to provide personalized care for you and your family — safely.

We offer a variety of convenient ways to get care from us, from same-day sick visits to extended hours at select locations.

And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit, including: Screening all patients and seeing COVID-19 patients virtually only — allowing us to treat everyone safely

Ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms

Wearing masks while providing care

Offering video visits with your doctor

Enhanced cleaning of equipment and surfaces

Adding evening and Saturday hours to space out appointments

houstonmethodist.org/pcg Call or text: 713.394.6724

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