The Stitch

A doctor holding a clipboard seated next to a patient. Both are viewed from the neck down.

As a patient, it’s important to understand surgical risks and complications and what steps you can take to mitigate them.

Instrument for endoscopy in the doctor's hands.

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Which colorectal cancer screening is right for me?

March 8, 2023 cancer screenings, Colorectal Cancer, colorectal surgery

“We know that screening is effective,” says Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil, a colorectal surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine.

A person clutching their midsection tightly as if in pain.

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Types of Hernias and the Benefit of Care at a Hernia Center

March 1, 2023 Baylor Medicine Hernia Center, hernia repair, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery

Hernias occur when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak point or tear in the surrounding muscle or tissue. “In general, treatment for

White older man is getting his blood pressure taking at the doctor's office.

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Yearly exams and lifestyle changes may prevent No. 1 killer

February 22, 2023 coronary artery bypass grafting, coronary artery disease, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Ourania Preventza, heart disease

Dr. Ourania Preventza stresses the importance of a yearly physical exam to check for signs of coronary artery disease.

A person sitting in front of a clock with their arms stretched in front of them.

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Is intermittent fasting right for you?

February 15, 2023 diet, intermittent fasting, Weight Loss and Metabolic Center

Rachel Griehs, registered dietitian, explains the pros, cons, dos and don’ts of intermittent fasting, and what to expect from it.

A man holding his back with both hands, as if in pain.

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Men 60 and older with certain risk factors should get screened for life-threatening heart condition

February 8, 2023 abdominal aortic aneurysm, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, older men

“Typically, there are no symptoms present until the aneurysm has burst, and the survival rate is only 25-50%,” Dr. Joseph Coselli said.

An older woman standing outside. She has a hand across her upper chest and a worried expression.

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Why women with heart issues are undertreated and have worse outcomes than men

February 1, 2023 Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, heart disease, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Women's Health

“We as women are a different group of people and, unfortunately, we don’t have enough data to publish specific guidelines to say, ‘When you see this, do this,’” Barron said.

A measuring tape resting on an electric scale.

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New year, new weight loss

January 18, 2023 Baylor Medicine, New Year, Weight Loss

Baylor Medicine registered dietitian Rachel Griehs offers four tips to lose weight and keep it off in the New Year.

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Lessons from a surgeon who became a patient

January 11, 2023 Anxiety, Division of Surgical Oncology, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery

Division of Surgical Oncology surgeon Dr. James Suliburk recently found himself on the other side of the operating table as a patient.

A burnt cigarette on a table next to four un-lit cigarettes.

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Baylor Medicine experts can help you quit smoking this year

January 4, 2023 New Year, quit tobacco, smoking cessation

The Tobacco Cessation Program in the Division of Thoracic Surgery offers patients a combination of behavioral support and drug therapy.