Esther’s Heroes: A Story of Hope and Cancer Survivorship
After chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, Esther Urdiales had an unusually complicated recovery of her ability to swallow. “Esther’s story is one of victory through our collaboration with TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Speech Therapy Program,” says Ron Karni, MD,…
When in Doubt, Seek Answers
“Our minds can be our worst enemy,” said Raquel Butanda. “I have been thinking about this all week.” Surrounded by family, Butanda was one of nearly 130 people who checked in for the no-cost screenings offered by UT Physicians for…
MicroSeismic, UT Physicians Make Sound Investment In Children With Hearing Loss
William Gonzalez, a junior at Aldine High School, will no longer have to strain to hear his teachers thanks to a new set of hearing aids donated by the MicroSeismic oilfield services company as part of a partnership with UT…
Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Rodriguez Twins
Identical twins Sergio and Jorge Rodriguez like the same things – playing soccer, baseball and riding their bikes. They were born on Nov. 13, 2013, with the same type of hearing loss. Thanks to the surgical skill of Zi Yang…
Minimally Invasive Surgery Provides Quick Relief of Sinusitis Caused by a Dental Infection
An accurate diagnosis and effective treatment dramatically improved the life of 75-year-old Ed Dickerson, whose off-and-on history of nasal congestion goes back to his childhood. When Dickerson moved to Houston in 1990, his congestion became worse, but eventually he was…
Four-Handed Surgery: Robotic Excision of Benign Tumor of the Soft Palate and Reconstruction
When Kathleen Sibirtzeff went for her periodic dental checkup in April 2018, her dentist discovered what turned out to be a benign tumor of the soft palate. “I could see it and it felt a little pillowy on the upper…
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Patients Who Can’t Tolerate CPAP
Joy Helminski was first diagnosed with sleep apnea six years ago and was prescribed a CPAP. With her small features, she had difficulty finding a mask to fit her face. “My doctor said I’d have more energy, feel better, and…
Innovations in the Treatment of Lymphedema in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Lymphedema research at UTHealth has led to new knowledge and innovative treatments for head and neck cancer patients after surgery and radiation therapy. Carey Hatfield, 59, is among the patients to benefit from the researchers’ elucidation of internal lymphedema and…
Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty for Chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Two weeks after having balloon eustachian tuboplasty, Robin Goebel was on a flight to South America, where she hiked at high altitudes, visiting Machu Picchu at 7,970 feet and Cusco at 11,152 feet, and took 13 different flights to places…
First in Houston to Offer a New Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
UT Physicians is now offering an alternative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when traditional approaches fail. The first six cases in Houston have provided a transformational, life-changing solution for people seeking a restful, healthy night of sleep. The new…