What is Interventional Radiology (IR)?
Interventional Radiology (IR) or Image Guided Surgery is a cutting edge branch of radiology that combines the accuracy of modern imaging techniques, such as ultrasound/ CT or MRI, along with the precision of surgery, to provide patients with minimally invasive options for diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. The procedures are performed by a qualified interventional radiologist, through a pinhole sized skin incision. A variety of imaging technologies are utilized during the procedure to ensure accuracy and optimum treatment.
IR skills when applied to diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients are frequently referred to as Interventional Oncology (IO), which forms a specific part of the wider "umbrella" that is IR.
Tools for diagnosis in cancer patients include radiology scans as well as tissue sampling of the cancer (called as Biopsy). Performing these diagnostic procedures, under image guidance, allows an increased level of safety and accuracy in obtaining tissue that is crucial for diagnosis.
For curing cancers, there are a variety of minimally invasive IO procedures (for example, Ablation or Embolization) that have outcomes similar to traditional, more invasive operations. In certain cases these procedures can also help to control if not cure cancers, as well as improve quality of life of palliative cancer patients.
IR can also help at specific points in your cancer treatment pathway by providing vessel access for chemotherapy, draining collections or fluid from different body parts etc.
IR skills can also be applied to conditions affecting a variety of body systems such as blood vessels, liver, kidney, bowel, lungs and bones for both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions.
When discussing treatment options for your condition with your physician/ surgeon, make sure you inquire about minimally invasive IR options. IR may be able to help you at most stages of management pathway of your condition. If unsure, please contact us or book an appointment for a consultation.
IMAGING AND SPECIALIST SCANS
Interventional Radiologists are also qualified radiologists who can report radiology scans and other specialist scans as required.
Diagnosing patient specific conditions and following up patients require reporting of scans, some of which are specific. As an expert in my area of interest I frequently report on specialist scans such as ultrasound scans of the liver or kidneys, CT scans of abdomen and MRI scans of liver, kidney and abdomen.
To organise general or specialist scans please contact us and book an appointment.
