Interventional Radiologist

Conditions Treated

• •Uterine Fibroids (UAE) — Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply — avoids hysterectomy.
• •Liver Cancer (TACE/Ablation) — Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation treat liver tumours without open surgery.
• •Varicose Veins (Endovenous Treatment) — Laser or radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins from inside — no surgical incision, done under local anaesthesia.
• •Deep Organ Biopsy — Image-guided needle biopsy of liver, kidney, lung, or lymph nodes — avoids open surgical biopsy.
• •Abscess Drainage — Image-guided catheter drainage of abscesses in liver, abdomen, pelvis, or lungs — avoids major surgery.

Health Tips

• •Follow activity restrictions after your procedure
• •Watch the puncture site for bleeding or swelling
• •Take prescribed blood thinners as directed
• •Attend follow-up imaging appointments

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Complete blood tests — coagulation profile, kidney function, and platelet count are essential
• •Inform about blood thinner medications — they may need to be stopped temporarily before the procedure
• •Follow fasting instructions — typically 6 hours before the procedure
• •Arrange someone to drive you home — sedation effects last several hours
• •You will be awake but sedated for most procedures — you may feel pressure but not pain
• •Communicate with the team if you feel pain — additional sedation can be given
• •The procedure is monitored with real-time imaging (ultrasound, CT, or X-ray) for precision
• •Most procedures take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on complexity
• •Rest for the prescribed period — most patients go home the same day or next morning
• •Keep the puncture site clean and dry for 48 hours
• •Report any increasing pain, fever, or bleeding from the puncture site
• •Attend follow-up imaging to assess treatment response

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Is this procedure an alternative to surgery for my condition?
• •Will I be awake or under general anaesthesia?
• •How long is the recovery compared to surgery?
• •What is the success rate for my specific condition?
• •Will I need repeat procedures?
• •What are the risks specific to my procedure?

When to See a Specialist

An Interventional Radiologist performs minimally invasive image-guided procedures using catheters, needles, and tiny instruments.

• •Uterine fibroids — non-surgical treatment option
• •Liver cancer — TACE or ablation
• •Varicose veins — laser/radiofrequency ablation
• •Blocked arteries needing angioplasty/stenting
• •Biopsy needed from deep organ
• •Abscess drainage without surgery

Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery for many conditions, with faster recovery.