Interventional Radiologists are physicians who use medical imaging to diagnose and treat patients. The physicians use minimally-invasive surgical procedures, employing IR imaging guidance. The imaging options include ultrasound, CT scan, and X-rays. Interventional radiologists are experts in diagnostic image interpretation and manipulating surgical tools to navigate around the body. Houston interventional radiology clinic manages concerns such as embolization, stent placement, foreign body removal, angiography, injection of clot-dissolving medicine, and needle biopsy, among others. Below are some interventional radiology top benefits.
1. Efficiency, effectiveness, and targeted treatment
Radiologists use medical imaging technology to perform procedures and ensure treatment is directly delivered to the targeted area. These procedures are a quick, more efficient, and effective way of using medical resources especially compared to open surgeries. Imaging significantly improves the diagnosis’s accuracy and increases the treatment’s effectiveness.
2. Faster recovery
Among the frustrating experiences associated with open surgery is a lengthy and demanding recovery process. IR offers an alternative since it is minimally-invasive, often swift, and has reduced complications. Patients have shorter recovery periods and can return to their daily routines faster.
3. Less pain
IR procedures involve making a small incision, depending on the treatment. This means no staples, large bandages, or stitches are required. Moderate anesthesia can be used to reduce mild pain during or after the procedure.
4. Better results
IR has a low mortality and complication rate, especially since the risks are significantly lower. Moreover, interventional IR can be used to treat virtually anyone regardless of age, sex, and size. It is also a safer route to better health.
5. Minimized risks
Compared to other treatment options, IR can help reduce risks to patients. The use of imaging technology to navigate the procedure reduces risks such as:
- Infection
- Blood loss
- Damage to the surrounding areas
6. No hospital stay
Most IR procedures are on an outpatient basis meaning an overnight stay in the hospital is unnecessary. If needed, the hospital stays are much shorter, allowing you to get back to your routine with minimal interruptions.
7. Minimal scarring
For the IR procedure, only a tiny incision about 2 millimeters long will be made to enable the radiologist to insert the medical tool. The tool navigates through your organs and blood vessels and can perform procedures including:
- Biopsy
- Treats tumors
- Clear blocked arteries
- Add stents, among others
This procedure can address problems in your kidney, pancreas, brain, liver, and uterus, and since only a small incision is required, you will have minimal scarring.
8. No general anesthesia is required
When administered, general anesthesia makes you unconscious, which can be scary. General anesthesia also comes with a handful of risks. This includes serious allergic reactions and accidental awareness/waking up during a procedure. Local anesthesia only numbs where it is administered, and you remain conscious.
IR treatment is very precise since it uses medical imaging to navigate the process. This helps radiologists prevent damage to the surrounding organs and skin. Call or visit Alate Health for more information on interventional radiology treatment and how it can be useful in your situation.
