Interventional Radiology
Modern medicine increasingly relies on "minimally invasive" procedures for diagnosis and treatment. The primary goal is to minimize harm to patients, promote faster recovery, reduce hospital stays, and replace large surgical incisions with small punctures or minor cuts for diagnosis or treatment.
Interventional radiology methods are significantly faster, safer, and often more cost-effective compared to traditional surgical procedures. Many interventional radiology procedures do not require general anesthesia, allowing patients to recover more quickly and return to their daily routines sooner.
Requirements for Interventional Radiology Procedures
To perform interventional radiology procedures, advanced imaging technologies such as angiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) are required, along with trained radiologists who specialize in these techniques. The Interventional Radiology Department is dedicated to performing both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with the aid of medical imaging.
Interventional radiology procedures are categorized into two main groups:
- Vascular (Blood Vessel-Related) Procedures: These procedures are used for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting blood vessels outside the heart. Conditions such as blockages, narrowing, vascular malformations, aneurysms, congenital or trauma-related vascular damage, varicose veins, and tumor formations can be treated using interventional radiology techniques. These procedures are generally performed under local anesthesia in an angiography unit, and in most cases, patients only require a one-night hospital stay.
- Non-Vascular Procedures: These include organ and tissue biopsies, fluid or abscess drainage, cyst treatments, and tumor ablation (destruction) therapies. These procedures are also typically performed under local anesthesia and take approximately 30 minutes. Most patients can be discharged on the same day after a short period of rest.
Advantages of Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In many cases, it allows treatment without the need for surgery or provides a treatment option for patients who are ineligible for surgical intervention. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, requiring only a brief period of post-procedure monitoring before the patient is sent home.
For procedures requiring hospitalization, most patients are discharged within 24 hours.
Additionally, interventional radiology centers provide services to hospitalized patients in other medical facilities, with post-procedure transportation available for further care at their primary hospital. Comprehensive pre-procedure evaluations, anesthesia support, and post-procedure follow-ups are also available as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interventional radiology is a medical field that involves performing minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating diseases using imaging techniques. Imaging methods such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are used to guide procedures that do not require traditional surgery. These procedures typically result in less pain and faster recovery times.
Interventional radiology is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including vascular blockages, cancer treatments, liver diseases, bile duct problems, kidney stone removal, pain management, and establishing vascular access. It is also used for procedures such as biopsies, drainage, and catheter placement.
Interventional radiology procedures are generally considered safe because they are minimally invasive and involve less trauma to the body. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks, such as infection, bleeding, or complications from improperly placed devices. It is important that these procedures are performed by trained specialists.