Gastrointestinal and biliary interventional radiology is used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. GI/Biliary interventions are minimally invasive procedures typically used to treat blockages, narrowing of bile ducts, and fluid drainage.
What is Percutaneous Cholecystostomy?
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses image guidance to insert a tube through a small incision into the gallbladder to drain the infected fluid. This procedure is usually performed on patients who are too ill to undergo cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
What is a Gastrostomy Tube?
Gastrostomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses x-ray guidance to insert a tube through the abdomen wall and into the stomach for feeding or drainage. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, there is usually less complications and faster recovery compared to having surgery to place the tube.
What is Paracentesis?
Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a long, thin needle to drain fluid that has collected in the stomach, called ascites. The fluid is then sent to a lab to find the cause of the buildup, which may be caused by an infection, an injury, or other conditions. Paracentesis can relieve pressure and pain in patients with cancer or cirrhosis.
What is Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography?
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography is an x-ray procedure where a contrast material is injected into the bile ducts inside the liver, which helps the radiologist see if there is a blockage or narrowing. If there is a blockage or narrowing a catheter may be inserted to drain the bile or a stent may be placed to open the bile duct and drain fluids naturally.
What is TIPS?
TIPS is a procedure that uses x-ray guidance to make a tunnel through the liver to connect the portal vein and one of the hepatic veins. The portal vein carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver and the hepatic veins carry blood from the liver to the heart. A stent is placed in the tunnel to keep the pathway open.
What are some common uses for TIPS?
TIPS is used to treat complications caused by portal hypertension, including:
What is a Percutaneous Core Liver Biopsy?
A Percutaneous Core Liver Biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a needle through the skin of the chest or abdomen to sample tissue from the liver. The sample is sent off to a lab to diagnose diseases of the liver.
What is a Transjugular Liver Biopsy?
A Transjugular Liver Biopsy is similar to a percutaneous liver biopsy except the biopsy needle is inserted into the jugular vein located in the neck instead of through the skin. Transjugular liver biopsies are used for patients with blood clotting problems or those with fluid in their abdomen. X-rays guide the tube through the jugular vein into the liver where a small needle is inserted to remove a small sample of liver tissue.