3 Things You Didn’t Know About Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is an advanced treatment that is used as an alternative to traditional surgery. During an interventional radiology procedure, doctors use medical imaging technology to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures to diagnose, treat, and cure many types of conditions. If your doctor has recommended an interventional radiology procedure for you, you may have questions, so here are a few things you may not know about it:

1. The risks of interventional radiology are lower than those of traditional surgery: Patients and their healthcare providers often opt for interventional radiology because the risks are significantly lower than with traditional surgery. Compared to traditional surgery, there is less blood loss, a lower risk of infection and other complications, and a reduced likelihood of damage to surrounding body parts because the procedure is so precise. Additionally, patients who have a higher risk of complications from anesthesia benefit because interventional radiology only requires local anesthesia or moderate sedation.

2. Recovery time from an interventional radiology procedure is shorter than with traditional surgery: Because these procedures are minimally invasive, the recovery time is usually shortened. Patients are able to return to their daily lives as early as the next day or within a few days, depending on the patient and the procedure that was performed.

3. The cost for interventional radiology is lower than for traditional surgery: Because interventional radiology procedures are outpatient procedures, the costs are often significantly lower. There is no costly hospital stay, and many times health insurance providers will cover a higher portion of these procedures, resulting in a lower out-of-pocket cost for the patient.

Interventional radiology offers many benefits over traditional surgery, enabling doctors to diagnose, treat, and even cure a wide range of conditions without elevated risks, recovery time, or costs. Visit ImageCareCenters.com to learn more about the interventional radiology services offered by ImageCare Radiology.