Biopsies:
This procedure entails using a specialised needle to obtain a small sample of tissue from a growth, or a specific organ. This sample is then sent to a pathologist for interpretation. These procedures are often performed as day cases, using local anaesthetic, and are very well tolerated by the vast majority of people.
Percutaneous drainages:
In this procedure, a specialised catheter is placed in a collection to help drain its contents out onto the skin, where it is collected in a special bag. In most cases, only local anaesthetic is required for optimal pain relief. We start by placing a needle in the collection, through which a special wire is placed. After dilating over this wire, the catheter is then introduced.
This short, relatively simple procedure can bring rapid relief to ill patients with infected collections within their abdomen or chest.
Nephrostomy insertions:
This procedure is very similar in technique to the percutaneous drainages, but in this case the collecting system of the kidney is targeted. This procedure is sometimes required when there is a growth or a stone blocking the outflow of the kidney, causing urine to build up in the collecting system, which may lead to problems such as infections or even kidney failure.
Biliary drainage:
Some growths or bile stones can cause blockage of the bile ducts, leading to jaundice and a host of other liver problems, including infection. It is sometimes necessary for one of our intervention team to unblock the duct. This complex procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic for the patient’s comfort. After access is gained to a bile duct using a specialised needle, a wire is inserted into the bile duct. After crossing the blockage, a special self expanding metallic stent is then inserted over the wire, which helps push open the blockage from the inside.
This stent is left in place permanently.
Embolisations:
This procedure is not only used in Uterine Fibroid and Prostate treatment, but is applied all over the body in various situations. Our intervention team are sometimes required to perform this potentially life saving procedure in cases where a patient is bleeding internally, either from an injury or from a growth that has ruptured. Often special metallic coils are used in favour of particles.
Despite the complexity, and often invasive nature of the procedure, it is virtually pain free, with only local anaesthetic required during the initial arterial puncture.