PREPARATION FOR AN IR PROCEDURE

  • Your procedure may be done either on an out-patient basis, or as a day procedure, where you will be booked into a ward for the day and possibly a night. 
  • These procedures may also be done as part of a hospital stay for other treatments therefore as an in-patient.
  • For  Chemo Port / Dialysis Catheter bookings, an explanation of the procedure is given at the time of booking (if the booking is made directly with the patient).  Alternately, if the rooms make the booking the procedure will be explained to the patient on arrival.
  • For the more complicated Interventional procedures, the Radiologist will often consult with the patient prior to the procedure, where an in depth explanation of the procedure is given.
  • As part of the procedure a light sedation may be given. Please arrange for a responsible driver to accompany you.
  • Occasionally, a General Anaesthetic (GA) may be required.  You will be informed of this when the booking is scheduled.
  • Previous scans (MRI, CT, X-Ray or U/S) not done by Lake, Smit and Partners, must please be brought with you on the day, if not already delivered to us.
  • After explaining the procedure, and answering any questions you may have, you will be required to read and complete an informed consent form. Lake, Smit and Partners complies with all the regulations of the Medical Control Council. 
  • Various blood tests are required and will be arranged at the time of booking

BOOKING AN INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURE

Your referring doctor with co-ordinate the booking with one our Interventional Nursing Sisters. The Nursing Sister will contact you and inform you of all the relevant information.

Please inform the Radiographer or Nursing Sister (in X-Ray), prior to the IR procedure, should any of the following apply to you:

  • If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
  • If you have an iodine allergy, a special preparation 24 hours prior to the procedure will be required.
  • If you are Diabetic

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR IR PROCEDURE

This varies depending on which IR Procedure you are undergoing.

  • For Chemo Ports and Perm Catheter insertion or removal, an explanation of the procedure will be given at time of appointment.
  • For some of the complicated studies the Radiologist will schedule a consult with you, where an explanation of the procedure is given.

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR RADIOLOGIST at the time of your consult

  • Why are you recommending this course of treatment / procedure for my case?
  • Can you walk me through what to expect from my procedure, step by step? 
  • What is the length of the procedure? 
  • How can I expect to feel after the procedure? 
  • How much time should I plan to take off after the procedure? 
  • Is there a hospital stay involved? 
  • What is the normal recovery time? 
  • What are the success rates for this procedure? 
  • How often do complications occur? 
  • What is the follow-up care plan? 
  • Is this procedure covered by medical aid? 
  • Can I talk to someone who has been through this procedure?