EXPERT
Dr. Thomas S. Granchi, MD
Trauma Surgeon
Dr. Thomas S. Granchi is a highly experienced Trauma/Critical Care Surgeon affiliated with Extant Healthcare in Texas. He specializes in Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burn. Dr. Granchi attributes his success to the strong professional support he has received over the years, as well as the unwavering support of his family and the guidance of his mentors. He has published several articles in textbooks and journals and has also taught the Residency Program at HCA Clear Lake and HCA Houston Kingwood. He is committed to providing top-notch medical care to his patients and advancing the field of surgery through research and teaching.
36 years
Experience
Dr. Thomas S. Granchi, MD
- Galveston, TX
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Should I get trauma counseling?
You have an enhanced startle reflex. It is probably a manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) If the symptoms disrupt your life and work, you should seek treatment. READ MORE
You have an enhanced startle reflex. It is probably a manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) If the symptoms disrupt your life and work, you should seek treatment. Usually, the symptoms will dissipate over several months. It may help you overcome your fear if you get training in self defense and situational awareness/threat assessment. Our cities are becoming increasingly dangerous.
Is an angiographic embolization invasive?
No. Angiographic embolization is not "invasive." The term entered the medical lexicon about thirty years ago when laparoscopy and catheter based therapies started to replace READ MORE
No. Angiographic embolization is not "invasive." The term entered the medical lexicon about thirty years ago when laparoscopy and catheter based therapies started to replace standard operations in the abdomen and chest that used large incisions to gain access to the organs. The new techniques used smaller incisions and were called "minimally invasive" surgeries. Catheter based therapies, such as angiographic embolization, are considered non-invasive.
How long should you rest with a concussion?
The headache, confusion, and memory lapses after concussion my last several days or weeks. Depending on you work and daily activities, you should probably take it easy for about READ MORE
The headache, confusion, and memory lapses after concussion my last several days or weeks. Depending on you work and daily activities, you should probably take it easy for about a week. I stronger encourage you get a CT scan of the head if you suffered head trauma with brief loss of consciousness. You may have a more serious injury such a subdural hematoma that would require additional treatment by a neurosurgeon. I also suggest you find another hobby or take up coaching and leave the ring. The effects of repeated brain trauma are cumulative. The small injuries from minor concussions can add up to severe cognitive and motor disabilities. Many old boxers are "punch drunk" and severely disabled mentally because of repeated head shots.
Would I need surgery for broken ribs?
Most rib fractures heal without surgery. The surgery involves fixing the ribs with plates and screws. It stabilizes the ribs while they heal and does not speed healing. Bones READ MORE
Most rib fractures heal without surgery. The surgery involves fixing the ribs with plates and screws. It stabilizes the ribs while they heal and does not speed healing. Bones require several weeks to heal, so the pain may last for a month or more.
Is swelling in mid leg normal after trauma?
Many things can happen after traumatic injuries to extremities (i.e. arms and legs.) You did not mention if you suffered a fracture. Broken bones can take a long time to heal READ MORE
Many things can happen after traumatic injuries to extremities (i.e. arms and legs.) You did not mention if you suffered a fracture. Broken bones can take a long time to heal completely. If your fracture was repaired with metal rods or plates, the hardware can get infected. These list of possible causes of leg and foot swelling after injury with fracture includes: venous thrombus (blood clot,) damage to veins with venous stasis, infection in bone, infection in hardware, infection in skin or muscle, impaired lymph drainage.
What should I eat to aid in my fracture healing?
Healthy diet with protein (meat, fish, or diary) and fruits and vegetables. Vitamin D and calcium supplements may help with bone formation.
What's the recovery like from a punctured lung?
Your lung should heal completely in a few weeks. It should seal airtight in a few days. The broken ribs will require more time to heal, and the pain from them will probably slow READ MORE
Your lung should heal completely in a few weeks. It should seal airtight in a few days. The broken ribs will require more time to heal, and the pain from them will probably slow you down for a while. Your physician should give you some recommendations. Generally, activities that involve changes in air pressure, such as scuba diving or skydiving, should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Is a trauma center different from an emergency room?
Trauma centers involve the entire hospital including emergency rooms, operating rooms, ICU, radiology, blood bank, etc. Emergency rooms may or may not be associated with a trauma READ MORE
Trauma centers involve the entire hospital including emergency rooms, operating rooms, ICU, radiology, blood bank, etc. Emergency rooms may or may not be associated with a trauma center. Emergency room capabilities are limited by the available resources and specialists available at the hospital. Emergency rooms associated with trauma centers have access to a wider scope of resources for injured patients.
Should I try to live near a Level 1 trauma center?
I don't think you should select your next home solely because of its proximity to a level 1 trauma center. Most large cities have several level 1 and level 2 trauma centers, therefore READ MORE
I don't think you should select your next home solely because of its proximity to a level 1 trauma center. Most large cities have several level 1 and level 2 trauma centers, therefore you have a wide selection to chose from. Climate, cost of living, crime, roads, schools, taxes, proximity to friends and family may also be important to you. If our civilization really goes apocalypse, we will have to rely on family and friends. The "tribes" will get smaller. At that point, trauma centers will probably cease to function.
How can I find a Level 1 Trauma Center in my area?
You local government should list the area trauma centers. The American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) lists all the trauma centers they verify by region and READ MORE
You local government should list the area trauma centers. The American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) lists all the trauma centers they verify by region and state. A simple Google search "trauma center in (your town)" will probably give you a useful answer.
How long do patients stay in the ICU?
ICU stay after a big operation, such as open heart surgery, is usually a few days if there are no complications. If their operation is elective (i.e. not an emergency) the patient READ MORE
ICU stay after a big operation, such as open heart surgery, is usually a few days if there are no complications. If their operation is elective (i.e. not an emergency) the patient leaves the ICU after they pass some tests like breathing on their own, normal blood pressure, able to swallow liquids, able to get out of bed, etc. Patients will stay in the ICU if they require support for breathing (i,e. ventilator) or circulation/blood pressure.
Is abdominal mesh safe?
Yes. The meshes used for hernia repairs have been tested and approved by the manufacturer and government regulatory agencies, such as the FDA. They are safe.
How long does it take for inguinal hernia mesh to dissolve?
Plastic mesh is permanent. The biologic meshes or grafts incorporate into the host tissue within a year. Talk to the surgeon about what mesh he or she plans to use for the repair. READ MORE
Plastic mesh is permanent. The biologic meshes or grafts incorporate into the host tissue within a year. Talk to the surgeon about what mesh he or she plans to use for the repair.
Complication after c section?
I don't know what you mean by "immunity." Maybe your doctor meant the ultrasound findings are the results of inflammation, part of normal healing. There may be a hematoma (blood READ MORE
I don't know what you mean by "immunity." Maybe your doctor meant the ultrasound findings are the results of inflammation, part of normal healing. There may be a hematoma (blood clot) in the wound or a wound infection (cancel.) The wound might need to be opened to drain if there is a hematoma or wound infection.
When to be concerned about symptoms potentially related to prior head trauma?
You have many reasons to be concerned. You are young, but you are not healthy. Late effects from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not uncommon. You should find a neurologist READ MORE
You have many reasons to be concerned. You are young, but you are not healthy. Late effects from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not uncommon. You should find a neurologist you can work with and be prepared for an elusive diagnosis.
Head injury?
Serious brain injury is unlikely if you did not lose consciousness. Repetitive blows to the head can have a cumulative effect. If your are not a boxer or professional football READ MORE
Serious brain injury is unlikely if you did not lose consciousness. Repetitive blows to the head can have a cumulative effect. If your are not a boxer or professional football player or victim of repetitive physical violence, you should be OK.
How long does it take to get results from an abdominal CT scan?
Abdominal CT scans are usually read and reported by radiologist within a few hours. The physician who ordered the CT scan should have access to the complete report within 24 hours. READ MORE
Abdominal CT scans are usually read and reported by radiologist within a few hours. The physician who ordered the CT scan should have access to the complete report within 24 hours.
How can I reduce my abdominal hernia?
Spontaneous hernia reduction depends on the size and location of the hernia and you general health. Laying flat on you back, relaxing with slow, deep breathing, and elevating READ MORE
Spontaneous hernia reduction depends on the size and location of the hernia and you general health. Laying flat on you back, relaxing with slow, deep breathing, and elevating your legs to relax abdominal muscles often works. If the hernia is painful or red and cannot be reduced, you should seek medical attentions. Incarcerated hernias often require emergency surgery to reduce them.
Can hernia mesh get infected?
Yes, mesh used in hernia repairs can become infected. The risk is low, but it happens sometimes.
When can I exercise after groin hernia surgery?
You can start exercising the day after surgery by walking. You should refrain for lifting anything over twenty pounds for at least four weeks. Discuss your concerns with the READ MORE
You can start exercising the day after surgery by walking. You should refrain for lifting anything over twenty pounds for at least four weeks. Discuss your concerns with the surgeon.
