Prof. Nurullah Doğan

Interventional radiology includes treatment and diagnosis procedures accompanied by imaging methods. It is entered through the skin under the guidance of ultrasound, tomography or angiography, and the target organ is reached with the help of thin catheters and wires.

The main feature of this approach is that it works with a much smaller entrance than open surgery. Opening vascular occlusions, stopping bleeding, taking biopsies, draining abscesses and placing permanent vascular access are among the frequently performed procedures.

Whether the procedure is suitable or not is determined by evaluating the patient's current imaging and general condition. Most procedures can be done with local anesthesia, and the hospital stay is usually short.

Computed tomography is an imaging method that uses X-rays. Therefore, as in every examination, the benefit-harm balance is taken into consideration. Requesting the examination depends on whether the information obtained will change the treatment.

Advances in device and acquisition protocol have made it possible to obtain the same diagnostic information with a lower dose. The dose is adjusted according to the area being scanned, the patient's build and the purpose of the examination. Avoiding unnecessary repetitions is the most effective way to reduce the dose.

This is why it is important to convey previous examinations to the physician. Non-radiative methods such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance are preferred when appropriate.

When a mass or suspicious area is detected, a tissue sample is often required to clarify the diagnosis. Imaging-guided biopsy allows this sample to be removed without surgery.

The procedure is performed under ultrasound or tomography guidance. While the target area is viewed on the screen, a sample is taken with a thin needle. The area is numbed first, so the procedure is usually well tolerated and short.

Before the procedure, blood thinning medication use and coagulation values ​​are reviewed. If necessary, medications are interrupted. The sample taken is examined in the pathology department and the results are evaluated together with the team that determines the treatment plan.