expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Thomas Helmsworth

Surgeon

Dr. Thomas Helmsworth is a top Surgeon in Bryan, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Thomas Helmsworth is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Thomas Helmsworth is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Thomas Helmsworth is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Bryan, Ohio, Dr. Thomas Helmsworth is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Thomas Helmsworth
  • Bryan, Ohio
  • MD at the University of the West Indies
  • Accepting new patients

How long does it take for swelling to go down after abdominal surgery?

This is a very difficult question to answer, I have no idea what operation you had and if it is incisional swelling or swelling from the laparoscopic gas used or if you had an READ MORE
This is a very difficult question to answer, I have no idea what operation you had and if it is incisional swelling or swelling from the laparoscopic gas used or if you had an open bowel resection. If it is from gas insufflation the swelling will last a day or two. if there was a big incision the swelling may last 6 months, the best thing you can do is ask your surgeon or one of the nurses in the office and then you can get a direct answer more specific to your case. There are 100 different reasons why a patient has swelling after an operation and I cannot guess as to what exactly you mean or the cause of it.

Can a bulging disc heal on its own?

No it cannot heal and support the vertebrae above it as normal if it has ruptured and is compressing a nerve surgery is the only way to resolve this

Can bone spurs be removed without surgery?

No they cannot be removed but there are ways to make them less of a problem if they are not too big and depending on where they are. The question is do you want the pain and limitation READ MORE
No they cannot be removed but there are ways to make them less of a problem if they are not too big and depending on where they are. The question is do you want the pain and limitation it causes you to get worse or be gone?

Can a small hiatal hernia cause problems?

Only in that it can become a big hiatel hernia and be the source of reflux, acid reduction, and staying away from foods that cause symptoms. Ask your provider about how to improve READ MORE
Only in that it can become a big hiatel hernia and be the source of reflux, acid reduction, and staying away from foods that cause symptoms. Ask your provider about how to improve this, and if you are overweight, weight loss can reduce the symptoms.

Is a colon resection an emergency surgery?

Yes it can be if the colon has ruptured and caused an infection in the abdomen. The operation usually requires a temporary colostomy.

What helps you heal faster after angioplasty surgery?

Well I do not know where the puncture site is or if it was the heart of a different artery that was fixed. First no smoking or vaping. Take the medication as prescribed by the READ MORE
Well I do not know where the puncture site is or if it was the heart of a different artery that was fixed. First no smoking or vaping. Take the medication as prescribed by the MD. And no strenuous physical activity for a few days and follow the instructions given you at discharge.

Why am I having these issues after a hernia mesh?

I cannot say for sure if it is related to the mesh or not. if it was an open procedure (big incision) then not likely, but it would also depend on the exact technique used. If READ MORE
I cannot say for sure if it is related to the mesh or not. if it was an open procedure (big incision) then not likely, but it would also depend on the exact technique used. If it was a laparoscopic repair, it may be a bit more likely. Did it start right after the repair or was there some time before it started? My best advice is to see a urologist, they may be able to sort this out better than I can from here.

What are the side effects of having your gallbladder removed?

The main side effect that can happen is chronic diarrhea, this can be treated with a medication. The side effect may happen and resolve itself without treatment, but if you get READ MORE
The main side effect that can happen is chronic diarrhea, this can be treated with a medication. The side effect may happen and resolve itself without treatment, but if you get the diarrhea, you should contact your surgeon for treatment. 

How long is the surgery for a blocked artery?

There is a big range depending on which artery, and the technique used. If an angioplasty is being done it could be as short as 30minutes or maybe 2 hours depending on how complex READ MORE
There is a big range depending on which artery, and the technique used. If an angioplasty is being done it could be as short as 30minutes or maybe 2 hours depending on how complex the repair is. If a bypass is being done it can be up to 6hours for a vein graft of the leg

Which is the best treatment for an anal fissure?

Tough question when there are many choices. No one is great; the best is a combination of treatment for constipation and botox injections. Nitroglycerin creams can help, too, but READ MORE
Tough question when there are many choices. No one is great; the best is a combination of treatment for constipation and botox injections. Nitroglycerin creams can help, too, but there is often a headache with them. Best advice is to find a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist that treats these on a regular basis and take their advice.

How long does hemorrhoid surgery take?

That depends on the number of hemorrhoids and the technique used. Anywhere from ten minutes to an hour.

How do I permanently get rid of hemorrhoids?

There is no guarantee way to get rid of them forever, though in 30years I have seen only two cases recure. However there is a technique called THD that has the lowest chance of READ MORE
There is no guarantee way to get rid of them forever, though in 30years I have seen only two cases recure. However there is a technique called THD that has the lowest chance of recurrence

Do hemorrhoids come back after surgery?

They can, it is uncommon but I have seen it once in my 30 years of treating them

Does scoliosis surgery leave a scar?

Hello, ALL incisions leave a scar, there are ways to reduce the visibility of a scar with another operation or some products that reduce the visual evidence of a scar, but if READ MORE
Hello,

ALL incisions leave a scar, there are ways to reduce the visibility of a scar with another operation or some products that reduce the visual evidence of a scar, but if there is an incision there is a scar. That said, the question is which is worse, having the scoliosis or having a scar to have a straight back? Only you can answer this question. I do not focus on scars, for me, it is the result of the procedure that counts.

How do you know if you are allergic to certain medications?

Allergic reactions can vary from sever swelling if the throat to a mild rash to an upset stomach with vomiting. If you have symptoms every time you take a certain medication that READ MORE
Allergic reactions can vary from sever swelling if the throat to a mild rash to an upset stomach with vomiting. If you have symptoms every time you take a certain medication that is a good clue but it may be a side effect and not an allergy, talk to your provider or an allergist and check with them if you have a concernSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Experiencing pain after appendectomy?

TtTis is not a simple question, but it can be tested. Certainly an endoscopy (colonoscopy) can be done and evaluate the area of stricture. There are/is an X-ray test that can be READ MORE
TtTis is not a simple question, but it can be tested. Certainly an endoscopy (colonoscopy) can be done and evaluate the area of stricture. There are/is an X-ray test that can be done also. If a stricture can be documented one way or another, then yes, a bowel resection will help, but no documented stricture no surgery. The purging bothers me also. This is something that is not good for you and should not be done at all and indeed it may be the cause of this problem! Work with your doctor and see if you can put together some tests to prove if there is or is not a mechanical cause for your issues.

Should I do something with my neck cyst?

I like the more straight forward questions. So, to start with, it depends where in the neck it is, and if it is new. If it is in the center of the neck near the Adam's Apple, it READ MORE
I like the more straight forward questions. So, to start with, it depends where in the neck it is, and if it is new. If it is in the center of the neck near the Adam's Apple, it has most likely been there for a long time and should be looked at by an EMT surgeon. The most likely thing is a sebaceous cyst, just below the skin and is firm and mobile. Those should be removed because they can get infected and turn red and painful, then they are drained and removed a few weeks later. Most cysts are not cancer, but if there is any concern or if it is increasing in size or of it is painful, it should be removed. A surgeon or a dermatologist may be able to give you better direction, as I have not seen this particular cyst.

How long is the recovery for laparoscopic appendectomy?

It varies between surgeons and also with the type of work, a student can resume classes in a few days, a police officer will be longer, maybe two weeks because they are in harms READ MORE
It varies between surgeons and also with the type of work, a student can resume classes in a few days, a police officer will be longer, maybe two weeks because they are in harms way. Office work one week, construction two weeks, it varies by surgeon and how the patient is doing, nothing is written in stone, but the patient should be all better by 3-4 weeks.

What's the likelihood of a pancreas transplant?

Pancreas transplants have been done for years but the graft survival long term is not great. They (researchers) are working on better control with implantable pumps and also harvesting READ MORE
Pancreas transplants have been done for years but the graft survival long term is not great. They (researchers) are working on better control with implantable pumps and also harvesting and transplanting the specific cells responsible for insulin production and sugar control. They are much better than they use to be. It is tough waiting for a breakthrough. If you want to get more information about transplant look at NIH or on one of the big centers like Mayo and email them for information. 
Good luck.

How long after appendicitis surgery can I have sex?

It depends, did you have laparoscopic or open? Laparoscopic will be a week maybe; it depends how you feel. Be careful when you resume this activity, as there may be some unexpected READ MORE
It depends, did you have laparoscopic or open? Laparoscopic will be a week maybe; it depends how you feel. Be careful when you resume this activity, as there may be some unexpected soreness that can catch you by surprise. But the answer is when you feel ready. If you had an open procedure because of what ever reason it will be a few weeks before you are ready. There is nothing you will break, but you will have more soreness and swelling so the wait is longer. And the final answer is, ask the surgeon who did the procedure, they have their own feelings on this subject. We all are different in how we answer this question and your surgeon should be the captain of this ship as far as you are concerned.