The sphincter of Oddi is part of your digestive system. A sphincter is a circle of muscle. The sphincter of Oddi surrounds the end of the tubes (ducts) that connect the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The sphincter opens to let digestive juices flow through the ducts from the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas into the small intestine. To prevent the juices from leaking back into the ducts, the sphincter squeezes shut.

An esophageal ulcer is an open sore in the lining of your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Here's what you need to know about this condition.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It's just past the stomach. Duodenitis is inflammation of the lining of the duodenum. This sheet tells you more about this health problem.

This topic tells what an endoscopic ultrasound (IUS) test is, how it's done, and what to expect from it.

Bariatric surgery is a procedure that helps you lose weight. In vertical sleeve gastrectomy, about 80% of the stomach is removed.

A low-fiber diet means eating foods that don't have much fiber. They are easy to digest. Learn why your doctor may put you on this kind of diet-and what foods you can and can't eat.

You have a condition called heart failure. To treat your symptoms, you will get a special device to help keep your heart pumping normally.

How long you stay in the hospital after open-heart surgery depends on what type of surgery you had and your needs. It may be as short as 3 to 4 days. If you have complications, you may stay in the hospital several weeks or longer.

Vascular access port implantation is surgery to place a port under your skin. This allows medicine or nutrition to be sent right into your bloodstream. Here's what you need to know about the procedure.

Most women who are pregnant with 2 or more babies have healthy pregnancies. But, the risk of complications is higher than with a single baby. If you are carrying multiples, know the warning signs of possible problems.