20 May 2019 Interventional radiology is an area of radiology used in minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy. In recent decades it has been confirmed as an alternative to some surgical procedures . Intervention radiologists are physicians who use medical imaging methods, such as: X ray; Ultrasound; Computerised tomography (CT); Magnetic resonance imaging. These methods are used to manoeuvre small instruments (needles, guide wires, and catheters) a few millimetres wide through the skin, blood vessels or luminal organs to the site of a particular disease. They can visualise and manipulate structures without having to open the body up , unlike conventional surgery. In the vast majority of cases, interventional radiology procedures are performed through tiny incisions , without the need for general anaesthesia, in an outpatient setting or with short hospitalisation. Its risks, pain and recovery time are lower than conventional surgery. Interventional radiology and organs Organs that can be treated by interventional radiology include, but are not limited to: Liver; Pancreas; Stomach; Bowel; Lungs; Bones; Muscles; Spine; Uterus; Prostate; Kidneys; Arteries; Veins; Accesses for haemodialysis. Interventional radiology and diseases A number of diseases can now be treated with interventional radiology. They include: Cancer; Uterine fibroids; Benign hyperplasia of the prostate; Haemangiomas and vascular malformations; Dysfunctional haemodialysis fistulas; Male and female varicoceles; Cysts; Peripheral artery disease; Varicose veins in lower limbs; Deep vein thrombosis; Osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
