The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting a surgeon's hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. Our surgeons can perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision.

The treatment of peritonsillar abscess requires both the selection of appropriate antibiotics and the best procedure to remove the abscessed material. Individualized treatment modalities will result in more successful outcomes. The choice of antibiotics is highly dependent on both the gram stain and culture of the fluid obtained from the needle aspiration. Penicillin used to be the antibiotic of choice for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess, but in recent years the emergence of beta-lactamase-producing organisms has required a change in antibiotic choice.15 Results of studies16,17 suggest that 500 mg of clindamycin administered twice daily or a second- or third-generation oral cephalosporin be used instead of penicillin. Another study1 recommends using penicillin as the first-line agent, and, if there is no response within the first 24 hours, adding 500 mg of metronidazole administered twice daily to the regimen. All specimens should be examined by culture for antibiotic sensitivity to ensure appropriate antibiotic coverage. Three main surgical procedures are available for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess: needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and immediate tonsillectomy. Three recent studies have compared needle aspiration with incision and drainage for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess.16–18 In one study,16 52 consecutive patients who had a positive needle aspiration of a peritonsillar abscess were randomized into two groups comparing needle aspiration alone with incision and drainage.8 There were no significant differences between the two groups in duration of symptoms or initial treatment failure. The results indicated that no further surgical management for peritonsillar abscess was required following the initial needle aspiration. Another study17 conducted in 1991 reported similar results.

Thousands of Whiteheads! Why Do I Get Them?

This device can detect several diseases from a single drop of blood.

People with celiac disease may lose weight because their bodies are not able to absorb enough nutrients from food. Over time, a range of problems may develop as a result of the body's reaction to gluten — from skin rashes and lactose intolerance to infertility, bone weakness and nerve damage.

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological disorders and other abnormalities within the body.

Roman Nowygrod, MD, a surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, explains the different surgical approaches to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Would you dare to explore your heritage? WIN a DNA kit and discover just how diverse you really are.

Here is how surgeons perform knock knee correction surgery. Titanium plate is used to stabilize the affected area. The femur is cut nearly through to help with the stability. Spreaders angle the cut align the leg. The plate is secured with several screws. Synthetic bone graft material is packed in the joint. The patient will be in crutches for 4 to 6 weeks.

New dental fillings could allow your teeth to heal themselves.

uses video of babies and toddlers to show the communication milestones expected in typically developing children. She also discusses what parents should do if they suspect their child is developmentally delayed

What is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)? Well, SIADH is a condition where too much ADH hormone is released, which causes an increase in blood volume and ultimately leads to a series of complications related to the blood osmolality and osmolarity

Cholelithiasis involves the presence of gallstones (see the image below), which are concretions that form in the biliary tract, usually in the gallbladder. Choledocholithiasis refers to the presence of 1 or more gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD).

An omphalocele is a birth defect in which an infant's intestine or other abdominal organs are outside of the body because of a hole in the belly button (navel) area. The intestines are covered only by a thin layer of tissue and can be easily seen.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) causes a functional gastric outlet obstruction as a result of hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the muscular layers of the pylorus. In infants, HPS is the most common cause of gastric outlet obstruction and the most common surgical cause of vomiting.

HSV-1 causes "cold sores" on the mouth, and up to 80% of the population has this virus. However, HSV-1 may also be transmitted to the genitals through oral/genital sex and about 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1. Up to 22% of sexually active adults have genital herpes caused by HSV-2.

Behcet's (beh-CHETS) disease, also called Behcet's syndrome, is a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. The disease can lead to numerous signs and symptoms that may seem unrelated at first. They may include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores. The effects of Behcet's disease vary from person to person and may clear up on their own. Treatment involves medications to reduce the signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease and to prevent serious complications, such as blindness.

Gallbladder cancer is cancer that begins in the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver. Gallbladder cancer is uncommon. When gallbladder cancer is discovered at its earliest stages, the chance for a cure is very good. But most gallbladder cancers are discovered at a late stage, when the prognosis is often very poor. Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose because it often causes no specific signs or symptoms. Also, the relatively hidden nature of the gallbladder makes it easier for gallbladder cancer to grow without being detected. Symptoms ShareTweet Aug. 07, 2014 References Products and Services Book: Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health Give today to find cancer cures for tomorrow See also Abdominal pain Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal? Chemo Targets Chemotherapy Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment? Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense Show more Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship PolicyOpportunitiesAd Choices Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. NEW! – The Mayo Clinic Diet, Second Edition Relief for America's epidemic of indigestion Keeping your bones healthy and strong Manage blood pressure for better health The Mayo Clinic Diet Online

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under a dark shadow. However, even the most severe depression is treatable. So, if your depression is keeping you from living the life you want to, don’t hesitate to seek help. Learning about your depression treatment options will help you decide what approach is right for you. From therapy to medication to healthy lifestyle changes, there are many effective treatments that can help you overcome depression and reclaim your life.

The heart's conductions system controls the generation and propagation of electric signals or action potentials causing the hearts muscles to contract and the heart to pump blood.