Other Procedures

Image-guided biopsy

Image-guided biopsies are IR procedures that use imaging technology to aid in the sample collection process. During such procedures, an interventional radiologist uses x-ray, CT, or MRI to collect a sample of abnormal tissue or masses to test for cancer. This can also be used in the case of abscess drainage.

Before Your Exam

Before an image-guided biopsy, talk to your doctor about any medications and follow his or her advice on which you can still take. You may be advised to stop taking NSAIDs before the procedure. Refrain from eating or drinking several hours beforehand.

Time required for your exam

This procedure typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

Other Procedures

Percutaneous nephrostomy

A percutaneous nephrostomy is a procedure that uses imaging technology to precisely place a catheter through the skin into the kidney to drain urine. This procedure also helps to prevent the further build-up of urine and complications like hydronephrosis.

Symptoms

Common kidney stones symptoms include pain in the lower back, pain while urinating or unable to urinate, nausea or vomiting, or blood in the urine.

Risk Factors

Risk factors of kidney stones include dehydration, blockage of urine in the urinary tract, family history, recurrent urinary tract infections, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, or high blood pressure.

Before Your Exam

Before a percutaneous nephrostomy, talk to your doctor about any medications and follow his or her advice on which you can still take. Refrain from eating or drinking several hours beforehand. Prepare to be under general anesthesia during the procedure and arrange for someone to take you home.

Time required for your exam

A percutaneous nephrostomy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Other Procedures

Percutaneous biliary drainage

A percutaneous biliary drainage procedure helps those with biliary (bile duct) obstruction. It’s a minimally-invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist in which a stent is placed into the biliary structures to aid in drainage.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bile duct obstruction include dark urine, light colored stools, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, fever, pain on the upper right side of the abdomen, and jaundice.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors of a bile duct obstruction include pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, history of gallstones, rapid weight loss, obesity, and and injury to the right part of the abdomen.

Before Your Exam

Before percutaneous biliary drainage, talk to your doctor about any medications and follow his or her advice on which you can still take. Refrain from eating or drinking several hours beforehand. Prepare to be under general anesthesia during the procedure and arrange for someone to take you home.