Pain management and procedures

Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat disease. They treat a wide range of conditions in the body by inserting various small tools such as catheters or wires from outside the body. X-ray and imaging techniques such as CT and ultrasound help guide the radiologist. The difference between radiology and interventional radiology is radiology diagnoses diseases and injuries using imaging technologies while interventional radiology involves performing procedures such as biopsies, catheterizations and angiograms to diagnose and treat conditions.

Doctors may send patients to an interventional radiologist to treat a wide range of conditions in the body instead of the patient having surgery. They can encompass a range of procedures, from joint injections and organ biopsies to more complex vascular and neurological interventions. The benefits can include less risk, less pain (depending on the patients situation) and less recovery time compared to a surgery.

- Discuss all medications you are taking with our nursing staff at the time of your booking. You may have to stop certain medications ( eg: anticoagulants) which will be liaised with your referring doctor. Your usual doctor will then make an anticoagulation management plan based on your underlying medical condition.

- A small percentage of patients may need a blood test which will be advised by nursing staff if required.

- Tell the booking nurse of any conditions you may have (e.g. diabetes) and allergies.

A doctor will explain the procedure and any risk involved before asking you to sign a consent form. IF YOU REQUIRE AN INTERPRETER OR ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE CONSENT FOR ANY REASON (e.g. dementia) PLEASE CALL OUR NURSING STAFF BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE.

Cortisone is a steroid medication that can cause side effects such as:

• Elevated blood sugar
• Chance of infection
• High blood pressure
• High temperatures, shakes or chills
• Headache
• Dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision
• Elevated blood sugar

All procedures have a risk of infection, common signs of infection include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat
• Generally feeling unwell

If you have signs or are concerned for infection, please go straight to your GP.
Patients taking blood thinners may be given additional pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions.

All interventional procedures require initial imaging to confirm suitability for the procedure. For some procedures only a report will be required. However, for the majority of procedures we will require a copy of your previous report and images. Our administration team will discuss this with you at the time of booking.

Some procedures can impair your ability to drive safely. A driver must be present for the following appointments:

• US or CT injections for foot/ankle/knee/hand/wrist
• All CT guided spinal injections
• Fine needle aspiration or biopsy procedures
• All image guided breast procedures