Interventional Radiology

The traditional role of a radiologist to “read” X-rays, CT-scans and MRI’s is well known. However, the interventional radiologist utilizes ultrasonography and other digital imaging techniques in order to perform actual procedures, which often have a crucial role in the overall management strategy of patients with some problems of their digestive system. Here are some examples:

1. Embolization of the hepatic artery, or portal vein (or, their branches) in patients with cancer of the liver (primary or metastatic). This technique can often transform an initially unresectable liver tumor, to a resectable one.

2. Treatment of severe portal hypertension by placing a special stent within the liver. Patients can thus be saved a major operation.

3. Drainage of pseudocysts and other fluid collections of the pancreas in patients with severe pancreatitis. Most of such patients may thus avoid a big operation.

4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of liver tumors.

5. Precisely guided biopsies in organs seated very deep in the abdomen, so the correct diagnosis can become easily, safely, and quickly available and the most appropriate management plan can be readily designed and implemented.