You had a procedure called fine-needle thyroid biopsy. This biopsy was done to assess a nodule or cyst in your thyroid gland or enlargement of the thyroid. During the biopsy, a very thin needle is inserted through the skin into the gland. The needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the gland. (This may be done more than one time to be sure to get cells from all parts of the nodule.) Or the needle is used to drain fluid from a cyst. The tissue or fluid is then studied in a lab.

An esophageal dilation is a procedure used to widen a narrowed section of your esophagus. This is the tube that leads from your throat to your stomach.

A large bowel obstruction occurs when part or all of your large intestine is blocked. As a result, waste can't move through your bowel correctly and out of the body. You must be treated right away to manage the blockage.

A small bowel obstruction is when part or all of your small intestine (bowel) is blocked. Then digestive contents can't move through the bowel correctly and out of your body. Read on for information about symptoms and treatment.

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or in the first part of your small intestine. It can cause belly pain and other symptoms. In some cases, a peptic ulcer may get worse and lead to serious problems. But with treatment, most people fully recover.

Ileus occurs when there is a problem with the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This is not caused by a physical blockage.

Surgery is a complex process. There's a lot you can do as a patient to help your healthcare team keep you safe. This sheet suggests steps you can take before and after surgery to help make your operation safe and successful.

Non-MRSA staph infections are caused by common bacteria. Learn about how they're spread, as well as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Transferring means moving between two surfaces (such as a bed and a wheelchair). Safe transferring is crucial to preventing falls. The type of transfer you will use depends on your overall health and strength. This sheet will describe one type of transfer, using a transfer board.

When you have loss of sensation, you're more likely to hurt yourself and not know it. Learn how to protect your health and reduce your risk of injury.