Comanche County Medical Center (CCMC) announced this week the availability of a new surgery service called carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance as CEO Dr. Larry Troxell delivered an update on the growing CCMC health system.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve disorder of the forearm and palm of the hand. People with it may have hand weakness, numbness, swelling, and pain, and trouble using their affected hand.
Tendons in the hand become irritated and can thicken, compressing its peripheral nerve. Some people who have had traditional surgery for carpal tunnel have experienced long recovery times.
The carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance procedure done in the CCMC surgery center is minimally invasive. It uses local anesthesia, reduces the need for extensive postoperative therapy, and allows for faster recovery.
The hospital’s visiting hand surgeons, Drs. Nathan Lesley and Christopher Bates of The Hand to Shoulder Center, Fort Worth, already perform a range of surgeries each month at CCMC. They will be doing this procedure as well. For more information, contact Carol Mahan, Surgery Manager, Comanche County Medical Center, 254-879-4900 x2877.
This new addition represents part of a trend for CCMC according to Dr. Troxell, who stated that CCMC’s status runs counter to recent reports of failing rural hospitals across the nation.
“It’s been reported that 646 rural hospitals across the country are in danger of closing with 293 of them in immediate jeopardy; nearly half of rural hospitals in the Midwest are in financial danger, “ said Troxell. “Thankfully, this is not the case with our health system, and in fact, we are flourishing!”
Troxell continued that the business has seen a 250% growth in the last three years with 2022 being the best year in CCMC’s history and 2023 projected to surpass it. He reported that the health system can expand its services thanks to generous public and private supports in donations and grants.
This expansion includes many new planned projects from revenue operations and not incurring new debt. (He also reported the retirement of long-term debt by 2024.)
Plans include: Expanding the CCMC Pharmacy with a drivethrough Expanding Patrick Street Pharmacy with a drivethrough (The pharmacy was recently provided a car to provide free prescriptions deliveries.)
The completion of the new long-term care nursing home in early 2024 Construction of a Fitness-Wellness Center (pending board approval) “We are adding locations in our service region to provide more convenient and greater access to healthcare,” Troxell added. “Once developed, these facilities will complement the clinics and pharmacies now operating in Comanche County, Rising Star and Dublin and help sustain our growth.”
—Citizen staff report