Tests & Procedures
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Find out what to expect during a 3D mammogram to look for breast cancer. Learn how this newer test compares to a standard mammogram.
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022A
Learn more about the preparation for and results of this common diabetes blood test.
Last Updated: Dec 1, 2022An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is one test used to help determine if you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus.
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2022Learn who may benefit from this cardiac catheter procedure to correct persistent atrial fibrillation, or A-fib.
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2022Learn why surgery to remove the uterus, known as a hysterectomy, might be done and what to expect if you need this surgery.
Last Updated: Feb 28, 2023An ultrasound of the abdomen is the preferred test to screen for an aortic aneurysm. But it may be done for other health reasons, too. Learn why.
Last Updated: Oct 5, 2022Learn about why doctors may recommend active surveillance for prostate cancer and what to expect.
Last Updated: Nov 5, 2021Practitioners use this integrative medicine technique to treat common problems such as back pain, neck pain and joint pain to influence energy flow.
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022Learn what to expect from this surgery that involves removing an adrenal gland.
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2022Allergy shots (immunotherapy) offer long-term relief from allergy symptoms. However, the treatment takes as long as three to five years to be effective.
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2022Considering skin testing for your allergies? Learn about the risks, results and what to expect during testing.
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2022Learn about this type of bone marrow transplant using stem cells from donor blood, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood.
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022Find out about this prenatal test that checks the fluid surrounding the baby during pregnancy.
Last Updated: Oct 7, 2022Anger management is learning to recognize signs that you're becoming angry, and taking action to calm down and deal with the situation in a productive way.
Last Updated: Jun 10, 2017Find out more about this test for peripheral artery disease.
Last Updated: Aug 20, 2022If you have a leaky heart valve, this procedure to repair a ring around the valve may be recommended. Learn when and how it's done.
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2022Learn more about this complex heart surgery done where the body's main artery, known as the aorta, meets the heart.
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2023Find out how valve repair and replacement can treat aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation and congenital heart disease.
Last Updated: May 24, 2022Know what to expect during an arm lift and the possible risks.
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2020Learn more about this procedure that uses a slim fiber-optic camera to diagnose and treat joint problems.
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2022Learn how hot or cold energy can treat irregular and chaotic heartbeats, also known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib).
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022Learn how heart specialists use this type of cardiac ablation to treat atrial flutter.
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2022Learn more about what an auditory brainstem implant is, how it works and how it may be right for you.
Last Updated: Mar 7, 2023This type of bone marrow transplant uses your own blood stem cells to treat blood disorders and cancers.
Last Updated: Oct 5, 2019Awake brain surgery is performed while you are awake and alert. This type of brain surgery may be used to treat some brain tumors or epileptic seizures.
Last Updated: May 7, 2019B
Find out what to expect if you're considering a blood test to determine if you have an increased risk of breast cancer. Learn what your results might mean.
Last Updated: Aug 12, 2021Bariatric surgery can be a helpful weight loss tool — but it's not for everyone. Learn about available procedures and the risks and results of surgery.
Last Updated: Sep 23, 2022Find out how to prepare and what to expect if your doctor has recommended a barium enema.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2022Learn the steps for tracking body temperature for pregnancy or contraception. Find out when during your menstrual cycle you're more likely to be fertile.
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2023Learn about a two-part weight-loss procedure that involves making the stomach smaller and reconnecting parts of the small intestine
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2022Find out what to expect from a bilirubin test — an important blood test that determines how your liver is functioning.
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2022This technique teaches you to control your body's functions, such as your heart rate and breathing patterns. It can be helpful for a variety of health problems.
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2023Learn how to use this type of birth control that delivers estrogen and progestin through a patch you wear on your skin to prevent pregnancy.
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2023Learn about innovative approaches to surgically remove the bladder and reconstruct an alternate urinary system.
Last Updated: Jun 3, 2022Learn what's involved and the risks, as well as what kind of results you can expect from this eyelid surgery.
Last Updated: Jun 24, 2022Learn what these donations involve and what the risks are.
Last Updated: May 25, 2022Find out what to expect during blood donation and how your blood will be used to help others.
Last Updated: Jul 26, 2022Learn how this simple test is done, how often you need one and what the results mean.
Last Updated: May 27, 2022A blood transfusion can help replace blood lost due to surgery or injury. It also can help if an illness prevents your body from making blood correctly.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2022Learn about the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test to assess kidney function and what possible results could mean.
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2021If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, a bone density test can assess your bone strength. Learn about the risks and results of this procedure.
Last Updated: Sep 21, 2022Learn what to expect with these tests, which are done to make sure your bone marrow is healthy.
Last Updated: Dec 1, 2022Learn about this procedure that replaces unhealthy bone marrow with stem cells. Your own cells, donor cells or cells from umbilical cord blood may be used.
Last Updated: Jul 20, 2022This diagnostic test can be used to check for cancer that has spread to the bones, unexplained skeletal pain, bone infection or a bone injury.
Last Updated: Mar 4, 2022Learn about the uses, risks and results of this treatment for facial wrinkles and medical conditions, such as migraine and heavy sweating.
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2023During brachytherapy cancer treatment, radioactive material is placed inside the body. Find out how brachytherapy is done and who it's for.
Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022This procedure delivers precise radiation therapy to treat brain tumors and other brain abnormalities.
Last Updated: May 13, 2021Learn more about breast MRI, including how this imaging test helps to diagnose cancer and when you might need one.
Last Updated: Sep 28, 2021Find out about surgery to increase breast size, as well as the risks, benefits, possible complications and follow-up care.
Last Updated: Aug 12, 2022Learn about this test that's used to diagnose breast cancer, including why it's done, risks and what to expect.
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2021Learn about the services available to help you feel better during and after breast cancer treatment.
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2022Learn about the types of operations used to treat breast cancer, including lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node surgery and breast reconstruction.
Last Updated: Oct 10, 2020Learn more about this procedure that reshapes and raises the breasts.
Last Updated: Jul 7, 2022Find out what to expect if you're considering breast reconstruction. Learn about the options, incuding TRAM, DIEP and latissimus dorsi flap procedures.
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2022Find out what to expect if you're considering breast reconstruction with breast implants after mastectomy. Includes pre-pectoral implant placement.
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2022Find out more about this surgery to remove fat, breast tissue and skin from the breasts.
Last Updated: Sep 28, 2022Being aware of the normal consistency of your breasts may make it more likely that you'll notice any changes that could be signs of breast cancer.
Last Updated: Jun 4, 2022A doctor inserts a small, flexible tube through your mouth or nose into your lungs to look at your air passages and find the cause of a lung problem.
Last Updated: Mar 7, 2023Learn about this surgery that can raise sagging brows and reduce wrinkles on the forehead. Also understand the possible risks of the procedure.
Last Updated: Sep 1, 2022Find out how this surgery can change your appearance. Also learn about the possible risks of the procedure.
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2022C
This simple blood test measures inflammation in the body. The results help diagnose infection and, sometimes, predict the risk of heart attack.
Last Updated: Dec 22, 2022Learn the reasons this surgical procedure to deliver a baby is done, the risks and tips for recovery.
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022Learn how doctors use this blood test to measure levels of a tumor marker associated with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and other types of cancer.
Last Updated: Mar 31, 2022Learn how COVID-19 antibody testing is done to find out if you've had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019.
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2022Find out how COVID-19 diagnostic testing is done to learn if you're currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019.
Last Updated: Sep 9, 2022Learn about the risks and results of this imaging test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to your heart.
Last Updated: May 6, 2022This imaging test helps detect internal injuries and disease by providing cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body.
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2022Here's what to expect from the canalith repositioning procedure, a series of simple, effective maneuvers to help relieve a certain type of vertigo.
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2022Cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, are often combined to cure or control various cancers.
Last Updated: May 25, 2022Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny capsule with a camera inside to get a view of the inside of your digestive tract. Find out what to expect.
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2021Hot or cold energy applied to the heart can correct rapid or erratic heartbeats (arrhythmias). Know when you might need this treatment and the risks.
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2022Find out more about this minimally invasive procedure that can diagnose and treat heart problems, including what's involved in the test and the risks.
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2021Learn more about this personalized program to improve heart health through exercise, education and support.
Last Updated: Mar 21, 2023A treatment for heart failure, this procedure uses a pacemaker or a pacemaker with a defibrillator.
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2022Learn what to expect during this procedure to reset the heart's rhythm.
Last Updated: May 20, 2022This procedure opens a clogged artery to restore blood flow to the brain — and saves you from a stroke.
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2022This procedure removes plaque buildup in the carotid artery to help reduce your risk of stroke.
Last Updated: Dec 11, 2018This test examines the blood flow through the arteries in the neck that deliver blood from the heart to the brain.
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2023Cataract surgery — Overview covers risks, complications, results of this eye surgery.
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2021Normal vaginal discharge can give you clues about your fertility. Learn how to track changes in cervical mucus to predict when you may be more likely to get pregnant.
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2021Learn about your options and what to expect with this skin-resurfacing procedure that removes layers of your skin with a chemical solution.
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2022Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat many types of cancer. Learn why it's done, side effects and what to expect during chemotherapy treatment.
Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022Learn how doctors use this drug treatment to kill rapidly growing breast cancer cells. Find out about chemotherapy side effects and what you can expect.
Last Updated: Oct 6, 2022Learn what these chest images can show your doctor and what conditions they may uncover.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Chiropractors apply a controlled, sudden force to individual spinal joints to improve mobility and relieve discomfort.
Last Updated: Sep 30, 2022Does your gallbladder need to come out? Find out what happens during a cholecystectomy — a common surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder.
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2021Measuring the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood can help predict your risk of blocked arteries in your heart and brain.
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2023Find out about this prenatal test that can uncover chromosomal and other genetic conditions early in pregnancy.
Last Updated: Nov 12, 2020Circumcision — the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis — can be a religious ritual, a family tradition or a matter of personal hygiene.
Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022A cochlear implant is an electronic device that improves hearing in people who have severe hearing loss due to damage of the inner ear.
Last Updated: May 10, 2022Becoming aware of inaccurate or negative thinking can help you view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2019If you're having colon surgery, learn what to expect, the risks and how to prepare.
Last Updated: Nov 8, 2022Colonoscopy is one option for colon cancer screening. Find out what to expect during this procedure to examine the inside of your colon.
Last Updated: May 18, 2022Find out why colposcopy is done and what to expect during an exam to diagnose cancer and other problems affecting the cervix, vagina and vulva.
Last Updated: Jun 24, 2022This oral contraceptive contains both estrogen and progestin to keep you from ovulating. These medicines prevent pregnancy and can have other benefits.
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2023Learn what to expect from having this common blood test, why it's done and how to prepare.
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2023Learn more about this imaging exam used to diagnose urinary tract disorders.
Last Updated: Sep 8, 2021These tests help measure brain function after head trauma and help athletes at risk for head injuries.
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2021Learn about the benefits, risks and effectiveness of this type of long-acting, reversible birth control.
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2023Learn about this birth control option that prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus.
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2019Convalescent plasma therapy uses blood from people who've recovered from an illness to help others recover. It's being tried as a treatment for COVID-19.
Last Updated: Apr 28, 2021A copper intrauterine device offers a hormone-free option for long-acting, reversible birth control.
Last Updated: Mar 1, 2022Find out how this prenatal test uses umbilical cord blood to check for genetic disorders and infections.
Last Updated: Nov 10, 2020This procedure uses donor tissue to restore vision and reduce pain from cornea disease. Our overview helps you understand the risks and benefits of this sight-saving operation.
Last Updated: Nov 3, 2022Learn more about this heart disease test that uses X-ray imaging to see your heart’s blood vessels.
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2021Coronary angioplasty and stents can open clogged arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2021This major heart surgery, also called CABG, creates a new route for blood to flow around a blocked artery. Learn why it's done and know the steps to take during recovery.
Last Updated: Dec 3, 2022These shots can help relieve pain and inflammation. Potential side effects generally limit the number of cortisone shots you can receive in one year.
Last Updated: May 20, 2021Cosmetic surgery's goal is to improve your appearance. Cosmetic surgery can involve dramatic changes, so it's important to understand what it involves.
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2022Creatinine test — Overview covers definition, preparation, results of this common blood test.
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2023Find out how very cold temperatures are used to freeze tissue and treat prostate cancer. Learn about the side effects and potential benefits of cryotherapy.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023During cystoscopy, your doctor examines the inside of your bladder using a special instrument that's inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2022CYP450 tests may help determine how your body metabolizes an antidepressant based on how genes affect your body's response to medication.
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2018D
Deceased-donor kidney transplant — Find out more about this treatment for end-stage kidney disease and what to expect.
Last Updated: May 4, 2022Learn more about how electrical stimulation of the brain can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Last Updated: Sep 3, 2021Wire-based appliances or clear aligners that orthodontists use to correct crowded and crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw (an overbite or an underbite).
Last Updated: May 21, 2019Regular dental exams, which include teeth cleaning and evaluation for risk of problems, help protect your oral health.
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2019A procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts, which are topped with artificial teeth, giving you the look and function of real teeth.
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2019Depo-Provera, a contraceptive injection that's given every three months, contains the hormone progestin to help protect from unintended pregnancy.
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2022Find out how this skin-resurfacing procedure can change the appearance of your skin.
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2022Learn what to expect during this procedure, how providers perform it to remove uterine tissue and what to watch out for during recovery.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2021This imaging test helps determine if an abnormal disk in your spine is causing your back pain.
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2022This surgical procedure removes the damaged portion of a herniated disk in the spine. It's most effective for pain radiating down the arms or legs.
Last Updated: Jul 1, 2022In this surgical procedure, a healthy kidney is removed from a living donor for transplant into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly.
Last Updated: May 18, 2022E
Brain cells communicate via electrical impulses, activity an EEG detects. An altered pattern can indicate conditions such as epilepsy.
Last Updated: May 11, 2022An electrophysiology study can show the cause of irregular heart rhythms and guide treatment. Know when it's done and the risks.
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2022Learn about this cosmetic procedure, which is done to rebuild an ear. Understand the risks and learn what to expect after surgery.
Last Updated: Sep 1, 2022Learn about the procedure for placing ear tubes used to treat middle ear problems.
Last Updated: Jun 22, 2021Find out more about this imaging test that uses sound waves to view the heart and heart valves.
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2023This common, painless test can detect heart attacks and heart rhythm problems. Know when and why an ECG is done.
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2022ECT can provide rapid, significant improvements in people who have severe symptoms of depression, mania, catatonia or other mental health disorders.
Last Updated: Oct 12, 2018Electromyography (EMG) is a procedure used to diagnose muscle or nerve dysfunction. Learn what to expect from your EMG.
Last Updated: May 21, 2019This surgery that destroys the lining of the uterus treats unusual uterine bleeding. Learn about the risks and what to expect during the procedure.
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2022Endoscopic mucosal resection, a procedure to remove abnormal tissue from the lining of the digestive tract, is used for both diagnosis and treatment.
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2022Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a weight-loss procedure done using a flexible tube passed down through the throat — with no external incision.
Last Updated: Sep 24, 2021Learn more about this minimally invasive imaging test combining endoscopy and ultrasound to diagnosis digestive and lung diseases.
Last Updated: Jul 6, 2022Surgery may provide relief from epileptic seizures when medications aren't working.
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2022This test involves placing a thin, pressure-sensitive tube through your nose into your esophagus to measure pressure as you swallow.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Esophagectomy is a procedure that involves removing the tube between your mouth and stomach. Find out what to expect.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Learn about the risks and results of this procedure, which is used to deliver radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Last Updated: May 10, 2023Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) helps your heart and lungs function while you recover from serious illness or injury.
Last Updated: Apr 19, 2022F
Learn about this complex surgery that uses donor tissue to replace all or part of a person's face.
Last Updated: May 19, 2022This cosmetic surgery can give your face a younger shape and look. Understand the risks and benefits of this procedure.
Last Updated: Aug 4, 2022Learn about the procedures that can change facial features to better match gender identity.
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023Find out more about facial injections, also called soft tissue fillers, that can temporarily smooth wrinkles.
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Last Updated: Jun 19, 2021Learn how doctors use fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), to screen for colon cancer.
Last Updated: May 4, 2022Find out more about feminizing hormonal treatment used to better align the body with a person's gender identity.
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023Find out how feminizing surgical procedures can help better align the body with a person's gender identity.
Last Updated: Nov 4, 2022Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test shows whether your blood has too much or too little iron.
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2021Understand how this prenatal test can be used to rule out preterm labor.
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2021This procedure is done on an unborn baby (fetus) in the mother's uterus to improve outcomes of children with certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2021Fetal ultrasound images can help your doctor evaluate how your pregnancy is progressing.
Last Updated: Nov 6, 2020Find out about this prenatal test that offers early information about your baby's risk of certain chromosomal conditions.
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2020Learn about this alternative to colonoscopy to screen for and detect polyps or cancer in the lower part of the colon.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Learn more about what you can expect during this uterine fibroid treatment, along with the possible risks and results.
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2021G
Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery that reduces your stomach to the size of a walnut. Learn about its risks and benefits.
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2022Gene therapy replaces a faulty gene or adds a new gene in an attempt to cure disease or improve your body's ability to fight disease.
Last Updated: Dec 29, 2017This sleep-like state during surgery allows you to undergo major medical procedures without feeling pain.
Last Updated: Feb 16, 2023Genetic testing: Learn why it's done, how to prepare and what to expect from diagnostic tests, carrier tests, prenatal tests and newborn screening.
Last Updated: Apr 14, 2020Know how to prepare for this gestational diabetes screening.
Last Updated: Sep 8, 2021These simple blood tests are performed to screen for diabetes. Your doctor may recommend one or many of these tests depending on your risk factors.
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2022H
Find out what to expect during a HIDA scan — a nuclear imaging procedure used to diagnose liver, gallbladder and bile duct problems.
Last Updated: Jun 2, 2023The HPV test can help identify your risk of cervical cancer. Learn more about how to prepare and what your results may mean.
Last Updated: May 17, 2022Find out what's involved in this surgery in which someone with an amputation receives one or two hands from a donor.
Last Updated: May 11, 2022Learn more about this test that can reveal calcium deposits in your blood vessels and know how the findings relate to your heart disease risk.
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2021Replacing a failing heart with a donor heart is an end-stage treatment for heart disease when other treatments for heart problems haven't worked.
Last Updated: May 11, 2022Learn more about surgery to treat heart valve disease, which involves repairing or replacing affected heart valves.
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2022Hematocrit test — Comprehensive overview covers results, what to expect from this red blood cell blood test.
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2021Learn about hemodialysis and the risks and benefits of this procedure to treat kidney failure.
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2021Hemoglobin test — Overview covers definition, preparation, results of this blood test.
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2022Hip replacement may be an option if your hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments haven't helped.
Last Updated: Apr 22, 2022This wearable device keeps track of the heart's rhythm during daily activities. Learn when you might need one and what to expect.
Last Updated: Mar 25, 2022Learn how Mayo Clinic specialists help you maintain your feeding tube at home.
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2021Learn about home parenteral nutrition treatment at Mayo Clinic and the situations in which this specialized form of food infused through a vein is used.
Last Updated: Dec 23, 2017A progestin-containing intrauterine device — or hormonal IUD — provides long-acting, reversible birth control.
Last Updated: Aug 20, 2022Find out how hormone therapy is used to treat breast cancer. Learn about risks and what to expect during this treatment for ER and PR positive breast cancers.
Last Updated: Mar 22, 2023Find out what to expect during hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Learn about your options, including medications and surgery.
Last Updated: Apr 9, 2021This type of therapy is a well-known treatment for decompression sickness, but it has many surprising uses. Find out about why and how oxygen can heal the body.
Last Updated: Nov 4, 2022Find out about this changed state of awareness and the conditions it may help.
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2022I
Ileoanal anastomosis (J-pouch) surgery removes parts of the large intestine. It's often done to treat bowel conditions that tend to progress to cancer.
Last Updated: Apr 14, 2021Learn how imaging tests are used during radiation therapy to deliver treatment precisely, increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects.
Last Updated: Apr 5, 2023Learn more about this cardiac device that delivers shocks to control dangerous heart rhythms, including who needs an ICD and how it's implanted.
Last Updated: Dec 2, 2021Learn how this implanted device records your heartbeat and know when you might need one.
Last Updated: Feb 28, 2023Learn more about the IVF process and what to expect from this assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility.
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2021Integrative medicine combines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices with conventional medicine.
Last Updated: Sep 13, 2022An intragastric balloon is a silicone balloon filled with saline. It's inserted into the stomach to create a feeling of fullness and aid in weight loss.
Last Updated: Sep 30, 2021Find out how Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons use intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) during brain surgery.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Learn more about how this infertility treatment is done and what to expect.
Last Updated: Sep 3, 2021An intravenous pyelogram is an imaging exam that may be used to help diagnose urinary tract disorders. Learn what to expect during the exam.
Last Updated: Dec 6, 2022J
Jaw surgery corrects irregularities of the jaw bones and realigns the jaws and teeth to improve the way they work and it often improves appearance.
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2018K
During a kidney biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of kidney tissue to view under a microscope to diagnose kidney problems and guide treatment decisions.
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2023Find out about the different types of kidney transplants — surgeries that are done to treat kidney failure.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2023Knee braces for osteoarthritis may help reduce pain by shifting your weight off the most damaged portion of your knee.
Last Updated: May 20, 2021If you have arthritis damage in just one area of your knee, osteotomy might buy some time before you need total knee replacement.
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2020Knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore function to a knee joint that's severely damaged, usually by arthritis.
Last Updated: Dec 21, 2022L
Learn about this most common type of laser eye surgery to correct vision problems and what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2021Understand what to expect during this procedure to start labor before it begins on its own.
Last Updated: May 17, 2022Removing the rear part of a vertebra (lamina) creates extra space in the spinal canal and can relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Last Updated: Jun 30, 2022Laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery — Comprehensive overview covers why it's done and what's involved with the procedure.
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2020A larynx or trachea transplant may help people who have severe damage to their throat. It may result in the ability to breathe through the mouth, swallow better and speak.
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2022Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to reduce unwanted hair long term.
Last Updated: May 4, 2022Explore your options and learn what to expect from this treatment to improve the appearance of your facial skin.
Last Updated: Mar 2, 2022Light therapy — Explore light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder and other conditions.
Last Updated: Feb 8, 2017Learn about this surgery that removes fat and shapes areas of the body. Understand the risks, what to expect and how to prepare.
Last Updated: Apr 11, 2023Examining liver tissue can be a vital step in diagnosing and treating many liver conditions. Find out what to expect from this important procedure.
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2023Liver function tests can help determine how well your liver is doing its job. Find out what to expect and what results are considered normal.
Last Updated: Aug 18, 2021Learn what to expect before and after this important treatment option for patients with liver failure.
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2022Living-donor kidney transplant — Find out more about this alternative to deceased-donor kidney transplant and what to expect.
Learn about this surgery that uses a portion of a liver from a healthy living donor to replace another person's liver that's not working properly.
Last Updated: May 3, 2022This surgery uses a living donor's organ, such as a kidney or portion of a liver, to replace another person's organ that no longer works properly.
Last Updated: Mar 8, 2023Learn about lumbar puncture, which removes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to find infections, bleeding and other problems. It is also called spinal tap.
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022Learn what to expect from this breast-conserving surgical procedure.
Last Updated: Nov 8, 2022Doctors recommend lung CT scans to look for signs of lung cancer in current and former heavy smokers. Find out what to expect during lung cancer screening.
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2022Learn what's involved in this major surgery that replaces a diseased or failing lung with a healthy lung, and what you can expect after the procedure.
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2022Lung volume reduction surgery is a treatment for severe emphysema. Damaged areas are removed, allowing the lung to function better.
Last Updated: Nov 16, 2018M
Learn more about how to prepare for this painless diagnostic test that creates detailed pictures of the inside of the body without using radiation.
Last Updated: Sep 4, 2021Magnetic resonance elastography is a newer, noninvasive imaging test used to evaluate the severity of certain liver diseases.
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2022Learn what to expect during a breast X-ray exam. Find out about the benefits of mammograms for breast cancer screening, as well as potential risks.
Last Updated: Mar 8, 2023Marriage counseling can help you and your partner recognize and resolve relationship conflicts. Find out what to expect.
Last Updated: Nov 2, 2019Find out more about masculinizing hormonal treatment used to better align the body with a person's gender identity.
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023Find out how masculinizing surgical procedures can help better align the body with a person's gender identity.
Last Updated: Nov 4, 2022Learn about this operation to remove one or both breasts for breast cancer treatment or breast cancer prevention. Find out what you can expect.
Last Updated: Oct 30, 2021Find out who may benefit from this procedure to correct a heart rhythm problem.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2022Learn what to expect when medicine is used to end a pregnancy, including side effects, risks and possible complications.
Last Updated: Jul 29, 2022Learn more about this surgery that uses small incisions in the chest as an alternative to open-heart surgery.
Last Updated: Oct 9, 2021Learn more about laparoscopy or robotic surgical techniques, which may mean less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
Last Updated: Sep 24, 2021This oral contraceptive, sometimes called the minipill, contains only the hormone progestin and no estrogen.
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2023If you have a leaky or stiff mitral valve, you may need heart surgery. Learn about the different procedures used to repair or replace this valve.
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022Find out what to expect during this skin cancer surgery that involves removing thin layers of skin until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2022Learn about this breast cancer screening test that's sometimes used in addition to mammograms, especially for those with dense breast tissue.
Last Updated: Jun 4, 2022For women who've had unprotected sex or whose birth control method failed, the morning-after pill can help prevent pregnancy.
Last Updated: Jun 3, 2022This surgical procedure to treat uterine fibroids tries to preserve fertility using a variety of approaches.
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2022N
Find out how this cosmetic procedure removes excess skin and fat around the jaw line to create a more youthful appearance.
Last Updated: Mar 4, 2023Common needle biopsy procedures include fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy.
Last Updated: Aug 20, 2022Learn about bladder reconstruction to restore urinary function after bladder removal surgery, including how it's done and possible complications.
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2022Complete (radical) nephrectomy is surgery to remove all of a kidney. Kidney-sparing surgery (partial nephrectomy) removes part of a kidney.
Last Updated: May 17, 2018Nondirected living donor — Find out what becoming a good Samaritan (nondirected) living organ donor means to transplantation.
Last Updated: May 4, 2022Understand how this prenatal test uses fetal heart rate monitoring to evaluate your baby's health.
Last Updated: Mar 22, 2023This type of stress test uses a tiny bit of radioactive material to look for changes in blood flow to the heart. Know why it's done and how to prepare.
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2023O
Oophorectomy — Overview covers what to expect, risks of surgery to remove the ovaries for ovarian cancer, tumors, cysts, abscesses and other conditions.
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2022Learn about the benefits and limitations of tests to detect mouth cancer.
Last Updated: Oct 30, 2021Learn about this cosmetic procedure, which is done to change the appearance of your ears. Understand risks and what results to expect after surgery.
Last Updated: Aug 9, 2022P
Learn about this prostate cancer screening test, including why it's done, what to expect, risks and results.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023Learn more about this cardiac pacing device that's implanted in your chest to help control the heartbeat.
Last Updated: Dec 2, 2021Learn what to expect with this care approach that offers symptom relief for seriously ill people of any age.
Last Updated: Mar 21, 2023Pancreas transplant offers a potential cure for people with serious complications from diabetes. Learn what to expect before and after this procedure.
Last Updated: May 24, 2022Pap smear is often recommended for cervical cancer screening. Learn how it's done and what abnormal Pap test results might mean.
Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022This surgery can treat injuries or congenital abnormalities in the neck section of the spine.
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2022Find out what’s involved in a pelvic exam, why it might be needed and how to prepare.
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2021Explore your choices and learn what to expect from penile implant surgery.
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2022Find out how this device can be placed on your penis to create an erection.
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2023Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a procedure for removing large kidney stones. Learn how it's done.
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2022Find out what to expect during and after PICC line insertion. Learn about why it's done and potential PICC line complications.
Last Updated: Jul 22, 2021Learn how this treatment for kidney failure compares to traditional dialysis.
Last Updated: May 2, 2023Pillar procedure — Overview covers definition, risks, results of this procedure for obstructive sleep apnea.
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2018Your health care provider may order this test if a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. Learn how to prepare and what to expect.
Last Updated: Feb 17, 2023Learn how this imaging scan can play an important role in early detection of health problems, such as cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023Learn how precision medicine uses genetic testing and drug-gene testing (pharmacogenomics) to diagnose, treat and prevent breast cancer.
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2021Preemptive kidney transplant — Find out more about this alternative to dialysis for treatment of end-stage kidney disease and what to expect.
Last Updated: May 4, 2022Find out about this procedure that's used to diagnose prostate cancer. Learn about the risks, how to prepare and what you can expect.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023Learn about this type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer that involves placing radioactive seeds or wires in the prostate gland.
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2022Understand what to expect and the risks and results of this procedure to treat enlarged prostate.
Last Updated: Oct 1, 2021Learn about surgical options and advances in prostatectomy, including robotic surgery, as well as the risks involved with each approach.
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2022This simple test measures how quickly your blood clots. Find out why it's done and what to expect.
Last Updated: Nov 30, 2022Learn about this newer form of radiation therapy, used to treat cancer and noncancerous tumors, and how it's different from X-ray radiation.
Last Updated: Aug 31, 2021Also called talk therapy, this is an approach for treating mental health issues by talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health provider.
Last Updated: Apr 11, 2023Congenital heart conditions can cause a leaky or blocked pulmonary valve. Learn the benefits and risks of valve repair and replacement.
Last Updated: May 13, 2022This type of cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to treat atrial fibrillation. Learn how it's done and when you might need the procedure.
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What can a quad screen tell you about your baby? Get the facts.
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Radiation therapy is a common means of treating many types of cancer. Find out what to expect during your radiation therapy treatment.
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2023Find out why doctors use radiation treat breast cancer. Learn what to expect and the side effects of breast cancer radiation, including proton therapy.
Last Updated: Oct 6, 2022Achy neck, back, knee, shoulder or hip? Radiofrequency neurotomy temporarily quiets nerves that cause pain. Learn more about this targeted treatment for joint pain.
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2022Rectal prolapse surgery is done to repair protrusion of the rectal lining through the anus. Learn about techniques, risks and results.
Last Updated: Apr 22, 2022What's an Rh factor blood test? Understand this important test that's done during pregnancy.
Last Updated: Jul 29, 2022Rheumatoid factor — This blood test can help diagnose autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome and lupus.
Last Updated: May 20, 2021Learn about the benefits, risks and what to expect during nose surgery.
Last Updated: Mar 28, 2023Want to know the best time of month to conceive or avoid pregnancy? The rhythm method is a natural form of family planning that can help. Learn the steps.
Last Updated: Mar 7, 2023Robotic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the uterus.
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2022Learn about this minimally invasive procedure to remove uterine fibroids that may reduce pain, blood loss and recovery time.
Last Updated: Aug 21, 2021Robotic systems can help surgeons increase precision, flexibility and control for many procedures. Learn about the advantages and availability of robot-assisted surgery.
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SPECT scans use radioactive tracers and special cameras to create images of your internal organs. Find out what to expect during your SPECT.
Last Updated: Jul 27, 2022Discover how cold or heat energy is used to correct fast and erratic heartbeats, such as atrial tachycardia and AV node reentrant tachycardia.
Last Updated: Feb 19, 2022Learn what's involved in this treatment for varicose veins, including the risks and what to expect.
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2023Sed rate is a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body. It's often used to help diagnose conditions affecting your joints or muscles.
Last Updated: Aug 10, 2021Learn what to expect during this procedure to remove lymph nodes for testing. The results can show whether cancer has spread.
Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022Find out how this nose surgery can straighten the bone and cartilage separating your nostrils. This opens up your nasal passages, making breathing easier.
Last Updated: Dec 15, 2021You can address concerns about sexual function, sexual feelings and intimacy, either in individual therapy or in joint therapy with your partner.
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2019This procedure replaces damaged areas of the shoulder joint with implants made of metal and plastic. It can sometimes be done as same-day surgery.
Last Updated: May 10, 2023Learn when this test is helpful in diagnosing or treating skin conditions and what to expect during the procedure.
Last Updated: Apr 4, 2023Learn about sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery that involves removing part of the stomach to make it smaller.
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2022Learn how to use this type of birth control that prevents pregnancy by killing or immobilizing sperm so that the sperm can't fertilize an egg.
Last Updated: Jan 26, 2019This procedure connects two or more bones in the spine. The bones then can't move, which helps ease neck or back pain.
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2022Learn more about this test that uses a special breathing tube to diagnose breathing problems, including asthma and COPD.
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2017The spleen helps you fight infection, but you can live without it if you have to. Learn about the risks and results of this surgery to remove the spleen.
Last Updated: Jul 12, 2022This type of radiotherapy uses highly targeted radiation beams to treat tumors in all parts of the body.
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2023Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses radiation beams to treat tumors in all parts of the body. Learn what to expect before, during and after this incision-free procedure.
Last Updated: Apr 27, 2019Learn about this noninvasive colon cancer screening test that can detect DNA changes in cells collected from a stool sample.
Last Updated: May 21, 2022This test gives important information about your heart health. Know how to prepare and what to expect.
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Find out about tattoo removal options, including laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion.
Last Updated: Feb 23, 2022Telestroke or stroke telemedicine uses technology to provide expert stroke care in smaller communities.
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2023Examining your testicles regularly can help you notice changes when they occur and identify testicular problems.
Last Updated: Dec 7, 2022Learn what to expect during this surgery — a procedure that involves removing all or part of your thyroid gland.
Last Updated: Sep 3, 2022Learn how this test may help you find the cause of unexplained episodes of fainting.
Last Updated: May 21, 2022Learn how to prepare for a tonsillectomy and what to expect from the surgery.
Last Updated: Sep 3, 2022Understand how this procedure to remove chest tissue can help transgender men and nonbinary people transition physically to their self-affirmed gender.
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2022Learn how this surgery can help transgender women and nonbinary people change their chest size and shape.
Last Updated: Feb 23, 2022A surgically created hole in the front of the neck provides an air passage to help breathing when the usual route for breathing is blocked or reduced.
Last Updated: Oct 22, 2019This minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve is an alternative to open-heart valve surgery. Learn about the benefits and risks of TAVR.
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2021This procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood control. It's sometimes used for depression and other conditions.
Last Updated: Apr 7, 2023Learn how therapy and surgery can help people who are transgender achieve communication styles that match their gender identity.
Last Updated: Mar 24, 2022Learn about this procedure for treating an enlarged prostate, including how it's done and possible risks and benefits.
Last Updated: Sep 4, 2021Learn about this minimally invasive procedure for treating an enlarged prostate, including how it's done and possible risks and benefits.
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2021Learn about this procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland.
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2022These heart surgeries treat tricuspid valve regurgitation and stenosis and Ebstein anomaly, a type of congenital heart defect. Learn how they're done.
Last Updated: May 19, 2022Thinking of getting your tubes tied? Tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception. Know the risks and what to expect.
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2023Find out how this procedure can change the appearance of your abdomen, giving you a more toned silhouette.
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This imaging method uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. Learn how it works and how it’s used.
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022In this simple procedure, a tiny camera is used to visually examine your upper digestive system. Find out what to expect.
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2022This common lab test checks urine for signs of disease and for clues about overall health.
Last Updated: Oct 14, 2021A urine cytology test uses a sample of your urine to look for abnormal cells, which could indicate a urinary tract cancer.
Last Updated: Dec 3, 2020Learn what to expect, risks and results of uterine artery embolization, a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids.
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Vaginal hysterectomy is a procedure to remove the uterus through an incision in the vagina to treat certain gynecological conditions.
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2023Learn more about this procedure that may be used to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions when other treatments haven't worked.
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023Find out more about this cardiac catheter procedure to repair a narrowed heart valve.
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2022Find out more about this procedure that provides nearly 100 percent effective male birth control by cutting the supply of sperm to semen.
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2023Learn about this microsurgery procedure that can restore your fertility after a vasectomy.
Last Updated: May 19, 2023Learn how this implanted device helps your heart pump and when you might need one.
Last Updated: May 11, 2022Learn how heart doctors apply heat or cold energy from inside or outside the heart to treat very fast and erratic heartbeats.
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2022This minimally invasive surgical procedure is used to diagnose and treat problems in the chest, such as with the lungs, esophagus, thymus gland and heart.
Last Updated: Nov 16, 2022Unlike other colon cancer screening tests, this imaging test doesn't use a scope to examine your colon. Learn how it works and what to expect.
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Learn about traditional and minimally invasive Whipple procedure and other advanced surgeries that help people with pancreatic cancer.
Last Updated: Nov 30, 2022Wisdom tooth extraction — Overview covers treatment goals and complications of surgery for wisdom teeth removal.
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2018The withdrawal method — pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation — isn't the most effective birth control. Learn about the pros and cons.
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This quick and simple imaging test can spot problems in areas such as your bones, teeth and chest. Learn more about this diagnostic test.
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2022