Interventional Radiology (IR)
Interventional radiology is a specialized subfield of radiology that utilizes minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. This approach offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced pain and recovery time, shorter hospital stays, and greater precision.
Here are some of the conditions that can be treated with interventional radiology:
Gastrointestinal:
Liver Tumor Treatment: This procedure uses radiation, heat, or cold to destroy liver tumors.
Biliary Drainage: This procedure creates a new pathway for bile to drain from the liver and gallbladder when the normal pathway is blocked.
Variceal Bleeding Treatment: Interventional radiologists use minimally invasive techniques to stop bleeding from varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach.
Genitourinary:
Uterine Fibroid Embolization: This procedure shrinks uterine fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
Prostate Artery Embolization: This procedure shrinks prostates by blocking the blood flow to the prostate gland.
Kidney Tumor Ablation: This procedure uses heat or cold to destroy kidney tumors.
Other:
Pain Management: Interventional radiologists use various techniques, such as nerve blocks and injections, to treat chronic pain.
Cancer Treatment: Minimally invasive techniques are employed to deliver targeted cancer therapy directly to tumors.
Diagnostic Procedures: Interventional radiologists perform procedures such as biopsies and angiograms to help diagnose a variety of medical conditions.
Overall, interventional radiology offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for many medical conditions. It allows for minimally invasive treatment with less pain, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays. If you are considering treatment for a medical condition, talk to your doctor about whether interventional radiology may be an option for you.