Prof.Dr.Ertuğrul MAVİLİ

Interventional radiology is a branch of medicine that plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating diseases by using imaging techniques (such as ultrasound, tomography, MRI, and fluoroscopy) to examine organs.

With the guidance of these imaging devices, interventional radiology allows access to the desired tissue, organ, or blood vessel without making large incisions, offering a non-surgical treatment option.

The procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, and since there are no incisions and usually no stitches, the pain is minimal.

Interventional radiology covers a broad range of treatments and contributes to the management of various diseases, either directly or as an adjunct. Here are some of the key areas:

1. Vascular (Arterial and Venous) Diseases:

A) Treatment of arterial occlusions and stenosis, including stent placement, balloon angioplasty, and thrombolytic therapy.

B) Treatment of arterial aneurysms (ballooning), including stent placement and other therapies.

C) Treatment of arterial bleeding, such as embolization or other occlusion techniques.

D) Treatment of venous occlusions and stenosis with stent placement, balloon angioplasty, and thrombolytic therapy.

2. Liver Diseases:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Treatment of liver vessel occlusions and hemorrhages (portal vein, hepatic artery, hepatic vein).

C) Diagnosis and treatment of cysts, hemangiomas, and masses.

D) Treatment of gallbladder and biliary tract diseases (stones, tumors, infections).

3. Pancreas:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Treatment of pancreatic cysts.

4. Kidney Diseases:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Treatment of kidney obstructions or leaks, including nephrostomy and double-J stent placement.

C) Treatment of kidney tumors: embolization and ablation (RF, cryoablation).

D) Treatment of kidney vascular diseases: arterial occlusion, stenosis, and hemorrhages; venous occlusions and stenosis.

5. Bladder:

A) Catheter placement for bladder drainage.

B) Treatment of bladder tumors and hemorrhages.

6. Prostate:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Abscess or cyst drainage.

C) Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through embolization.

7. Uterus:

A) Treatment of benign uterine conditions (fibroids, adenomyosis) through embolization.

B) Control of bleeding (postpartum or cancer-related).

8. Lungs:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Treatment of pulmonary embolism: thrombolysis (clot dissolution).

C) Treatment of lung hemorrhages (hemoptysis).

D) Drainage of pleural fluid.

9. Musculoskeletal System:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Intra-articular injections for pain control and accelerated healing.

C) Drainage of fluid collections, abscesses, and hematomas within joints or muscles.

10. Oncology Patients:

A) Biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

B) Vascular access: port and catheter placements.

C) Tumor treatments: embolization, ablation.

D) Nerve blocks for pain management.

E) Drainage of fluids, abscesses, and cysts in the abdomen, lungs, and other tissues.

11. Dialysis Patients:

A) Placement of dialysis catheters or revision of non-functional catheters.

B) Treatment of dialysis fistula stenosis and occlusions.

C) Treatment of dialysis-related venous (superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and other veins) or arterial occlusions.

This approach offers minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical procedures, providing effective solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.

The duration of the procedure varies between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the nature of the treatment.

Since the procedures are typically performed through a small incision or needle, patients are often discharged the same day and can usually return to their normal activities the following day.

Interventional procedures are very safe when performed under appropriate conditions by specialized interventional radiologists.

Yes, tumors can be treated with minimally invasive methods.

The risk of complications is low, but as with any medical procedure, there may be small risks involved.

Most patients are discharged on the same day after the procedure.

Yes, vascular occlusions can be treated and opened with interventional radiology.