Interventional Radiology
According to the British Society for Interventional Radiology: “Interventional Radiology (IR) refers to a range of techniques which rely on the use radiological image guidance to precisely target therapy (X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Most IR treatments are minimally invasive alternatives to open and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. As many IR procedures start with passing a needle through the skin to the target it is sometimes called pinhole surgery!” Click here to visit the British Society of Interventional Radiology Youtube Video: ‘What is Interventional Radiology?’
Interventional Radiology therapies can be used for the following: • To treat cancer (tumour ablation, embolisation) • To relieve the effects of the cancer on other systems e.g. blockage of the oesophagus, bowel, kidney (nephrostomy) or liver (biliary drainage) • To drain collections of fluid or pus in the chest or abdomen • To place feeding tubes (gastrostomy, jejunostomy) • To treat collapsed spinal bones (vertebroplasty)
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