TMC Health Talk

In recent years, robotic surgery has become an alternative to standard open surgery as well as standard minimally invasive procedures for many urologic conditions. Robotic surgery may reduce pain and recovery time for many patients.

In this segment, Timothy J. Ruddell, MD., discusses robotic surgery for urologic disorders and how at Texoma Medical Center they perform procedures using The da Vinci® Si HD® Surgical System, a highly advanced technological surgical system that may provide even further benefits to those already experienced by patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery.

According to The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in elderly patients.

While retinal detachment is one of the most serious eye conditions, it is surgically treatable and can result in blindness if not treated promptly.

Taking care of your precious eyes is an important part of your overall health.

In this segment, Dr. Vijay Khetpal, joins the show to discuss common retina issues including retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than half a million people visit emergency rooms each year for kidney stones. Kidney stones are crystalized masses that develop from substances in the urine. One of the main causes of kidney stones is the lack of fluids in the body.

Listen in as Steven A. Johnson, MD explains that in most cases, kidney stones pass out of the body unnoticed, but sometimes they can become too large and lodge in the urinary tract, causing extreme pain or bleeding. Several surgical options are available if a stone does not pass on its own.

After a debilitating illness or injury, learning to walk or talk again can be a difficult and painful challenge that can take weeks, even months, to accomplish.

Milestones may be few and far between, but at Texoma Medical Center's Reba McEntire Center for Rehabilitation (Reba Rehab), each step is celebrated as a grand stride in the journey back to a normal life.

Listen as Katherine Ellis, MD, discusses why you might need rehab and what you can expect from your stay at Texoma Medical Center.

If a non-healing wound has you missing the best parts of life, the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Texoma Medical Center may have the help you need.

The TMC Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine offers the most advanced wound care therapies and is recognized as a Robert A. Warriner, III, MD Center of Excellence and a Center of Distinction by Healogics™. These designations recognize a high level of commitment towards wound healing rates, patient satisfaction and other quality outcomes.

In this segement, Dr. Brock Lutz, Medical Director for TMC's Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, discusses care for non healing wounds and how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help speed the healing.

More than 12.5 million Americans are severely overweight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Obesity, which refers to excessive body fat, can cause many health problems and put you at a higher risk for diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and other respiratory problems. 

Many people who are seriously overweight have tried different diets, medications and professional weight-loss services for years without long-term success. 

Listen as Dr. Ikram Kureshi, General and Weight-Loss Surgeon and member of the medical staff at Texoma Medical Center, discusses weight loss surgery to help those struggling with obesity get the long-term weight loss they need to lead a longer, healthier life.

The American Cancer Society believes that preventing colorectal cancer (and not just finding it early) should be a major reason for getting tested. TMC gastroenterologists screen for cancer using colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. In both of these procedures, the physician can both screen for colon polyps and remove them. Polyps are small growths that can become cancerous over time. Removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer from ever starting.

Listen as Richard K. Saltz, MD explains that cancers found in an early stage, while they are small and before they have spread, are more easily treated.

As women age from childbearing to the senior years, their bodies change and they have special needs. The women's health professionals at TMC can support women as they go through menopause and also provide advanced medical imaging and diagnostic tests, such digital mammograms and bone density screenings, to help keep women well.

Listen as J. Timothy Parker, MD discusses what the health care professionals at Texoma Medical Center can offer in order to help you better understand menopause.

Low back pain can result from a wide range of problems, from ruptured or slipped disks to injuries from falls or accidents.

Listen as Kenneth Choi, MD explains that there are a variety of treatment options that are available depending on the cause and severity of your chronic back pain.

If you believe you’re having a heart attack call 911. Tell the operator "I think I'm having a heart attack." Time lost is heart muscle lost. You will delay your treatment if you drive yourself to the hospital. The paramedics can begin treatment as quickly as possible once they reach you.

Listen as Deaun Handlang, RN discusses what you should do if you think you or a loved one is having a heart attack.