Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology is an area of radiology that is frequently called special procedures. The goal is to simplify or improve the treatment of many conditions, previously managed surgically, that decreases length and cost of hospitalization.
What is a special procedure?
The special procedures performed at our facility are conducted in a digital fluoroscopy room. Some examples of the procedures that we do are arteriograms, biopsies, abscess drainages, percutaneous nephrostomies or any procedure in which a foreign material is introduced into the body. There are risks involved for all types of invasive procedures. Preparation time and recovery time may vary for each procedure.
What are the risks?
Although the risks are small in most cases, they should be discussed thoroughly by you and your doctor, technologist and/or the radiologist. The risks may include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, paralysis, lung collapse (lung biopsies only) or even death. Complications are rare. You will be able to consent to the procedure after being informed of the potential risks. This consent does not release anyone from liability, but your signature shows that the risks were explained to you. Informed consent is required for all invasive procedures either verbally or in a written communication.
How do I prepare for a special procedure?
You will need to bring your orders to the hospital anywhere from one to seven days prior to your exam to pre-admit. All necessary paperwork and pre-exam lab work will be completed then. The day of the exam you will need to arrive one hour prior to the procedure in outpatient surgery. The nurses will evaluate you — starting an IV if needed and giving any pre-procedure pre-op medications that have been ordered. Be sure to follow any directions for eating and taking certain medications for your particular exam. (See exam preparations.)
What is the length of preparation and recovery times for special procedures?
- Cystogram – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department one hour prior to exam. Exam time is approximately 30 minutes. No recovery time.
- Myelogram – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department one hour prior to exam. Exam time is approximately one hour. Recovery time is about four hours.
- Arteriogram – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department two hours prior to exam. Exam time is about two hours. Recovery time will be one day (You will be admitted for 23-hour observation).
- Biopsy – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department one hour prior to exam. Exam time is about one hour. Recovery time is two to four hours if there are no complications.
- Abscess drainage – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department one hour prior to exam. Exam time is about one to two hours. Recovery time is two to four hours.
- Percutaneous nephrostomy – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Arrive in outpatient surgery department two hours prior to exam. Exam time is about two hours. Recovery time will be one day. (You will be admitted for 23-hour observation.)
- LSE – Pre-admit one to five days prior to exam. Exam time is 30 minutes. No recovery or preparation time required.
For more information, please call: (936) 634-8311