During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. Then it's sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach ( lower...

Learn strategies to help you let go of negative emotions.

Includes information on gout, a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. Info on symptoms, including swelling and pain that is often in the big toe. Covers how a diet high in purines can raise uric acid levels. Discusses diagnosis and treatment.

External beam radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. A beam of radiation is aimed at the tumor from outside the body. This treatment is given to most people with early-stage breast cancer who choose breast-conserving surgery such as lumpectomy. How long the treatment takes Many people with early...

At 40 weeks, you have reached your due date. Your baby could be coming any day. Wondering what your baby looks like at 40 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a small watermelon. Average baby length is 20 in. (50 cm). And average baby weight is 8 lb (3400 g). How your baby is changing Here are some of the important...

Guides you through the decision to have catheter ablation for the heart rhythm problem atrial fibrillation. Lists benefits and risks of catheter ablation and medical therapy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Learn how IUDs are inserted and what to expect after the procedure.

Vein ligation and stripping is a minor surgery. It is used to remove one or more varicose veins. These are twisted, swollen veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. The surgery can also be done to prevent venous skin ulcers from coming back after treatment. You may be asleep...

Constipation and hemorrhoids are common problems during pregnancy. Constipation Constipation causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels commonly move more slowly when you're pregnant. And iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen...

What is hospital discharge planning? Discharge planning helps to make sure that you leave the hospital safely and smoothly and get the right care after that. You, the person who is caring for you, and your discharge planner work together to address your concerns in a discharge plan. Whether you go home, to a relative's...

Venous skin ulcers develop when the lower leg veins are weakened and cannot efficiently move the blood back toward the heart. Pooled blood and fluid in the lower legs then leads to tissue breakdown. You can prevent or heal a venous skin ulcer by helping your blood circulate back toward your heart. Elevate your legs...

Discusses casts, which are used when a bone is broken. Covers how to care for casts and deal with swelling. Discusses complications that may require emergency care.

Discover some cooking methods as well as tips for how to use each method.

Several physical and emotional changes occur as death nears. Here are some things you can expect. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to cope with what is happening. Emotional and spiritual changes As death nears, you may feel like being social...

Learn tips for how to support a friend who is going through a tough time.

What is inflammatory breast cancer? Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, fast-growing type of breast cancer. It is often called IBC for short. Unlike other breast cancers, this type of cancer may not cause a lump in the breast. So screening mammograms often fail to catch it early. Because it grows so fast, it usually...

Discusses lumpectomy and partial mastectomy, two types of breast-conserving surgery. Covers what is done and what to expect after surgery, including having radiation therapy. Also looks at risks.

Planning ahead may help you keep breastfeeding after you return to work. Here are some things to think about. Employer support. Before your child is born, talk to your employer about your breastfeeding plans. Work out the details of where you can breastfeed or pump, and decide how you will store your breast milk. Also...

Briefly covers boils, bumps under the skin often caused by infected hair follicles. Explains that bacteria form an abscess (pocket of pus). Covers home treatment. Includes info on how to prevent boils.

Viral (or aseptic) hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by infection with a virus. Common symptoms of hepatitis are pain below the right side of the rib cage, nausea, fatigue, jaundice (causing a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), and headache. All types of hepatitis damage liver cells. Hepatitis can...

Cognitive development is the process by which the brain forms the abilities to learn and remember. This development follows a typical pattern in the first 12 months of life. Between 1 and 2 months of age, infants become interested in new objects.

Describes kidney cancer. Covers symptoms and how kidney cancer is diagnosed. Covers treatment with surgery and medicines.

Covers surgery to replace the ball, but not the socket, of the hip joint. Looks at why it is done and how well it works. Discusses what to expect after surgery and living with a hip replacement.

Discusses heart murmur, an extra sound the blood makes as it flows through the heart. Covers harmless (innocent) murmurs and abnormal murmurs. Includes info on heart valve damage. Discusses tests by a cardiologist including electrocardiogram (ECG).

Covers types of coronary bypass surgeries, also called CABG. Includes minimally invasive surgeries. Includes a slideshow of CABG. Looks at when surgery is done. Describes how surgery is done, recovery time, and risks.