What is Interventional Radiology in Liver Disease?

Interventional radiology (IR) offers minimally invasive procedures guided by advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, Fluoroscopy or Angiography to diagnose and treat liver conditions. These procedures provide precise, targeted treatment with shorter recovery times and fewer risks compared to traditional surgery.

At Central Gastro, we collaborate with expert interventional radiologists to deliver state-of-the-art care for a wide range of liver diseases, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

When is Interventional Radiology Used in Liver Disease?

IR procedures are commonly used to:

• Treat complications of cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension and ascites.
• Manage liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Diagnose and treat bile duct disorders.
• Provide therapeutic support for vascular conditions in the liver.

Key Interventional Radiology Procedures for Liver Diseases

1. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) 

• Purpose: To reduce portal hypertension and manage complications like variceal bleeding or refractory ascites.
• Procedure: A stent is placed to connect the portal and hepatic veins, reducing pressure in the portal vein system.

2. Ablative Therapies

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to destroy liver tumors.
• Microwave Ablation (MWA): A precise, minimally invasive technique for tumor destruction.
• Cryoablation: Freezing cancer cells to prevent tumor growth.

3. Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) 

• Purpose: To treat liver cancer (HCC).
• Procedure: Delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor and blocks its blood supply, enhancing treatment efficacy.

4. Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) 

• Purpose: A treatment for unresectable liver cancer.
• Procedure: Radioactive beads are injected into the liver’s blood vessels, delivering targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.

5. Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

• Purpose: To obtain liver tissue samples for diagnosis of conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer.
• Procedure: A needle is guided through the skin into the liver using imaging for precise sampling.

Biliary Interventions

• Biliary Drainage: To relieve bile duct obstruction caused by strictures, stones, or tumors.
• Biliary Stenting: To maintain bile flow in cases of blockages.

7. Portal Vein Embolization (PVE) 

• Purpose: To prepare for liver surgery by encouraging growth in the healthy part of the liver.
• Procedure: Blocks blood flow to the diseased part of the liver, stimulating regeneration of healthy tissue.

8. Variceal Embolization 

• Purpose: To manage bleeding from gastric or esophageal varices.
• Procedure: Embolization materials are used to block the bleeding vessels.

Benefits of Interventional Radiology for Liver Diseases

• Minimally Invasive: Reduced pain, scarring, and recovery time compared to surgery.
• Precise Treatment: Targeted interventions guided by advanced imaging.
• Shorter Hospital Stays: Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis or with minimal hospital time.
• Improved Outcomes: Effective for managing complex liver conditions and complications.

Conditions Treated with Interventional Radiology

• Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension: Managing varices, ascites, and related complications.
• Liver Cancer (HCC): Ablation, chemoembolization, and radioembolization.
• Biliary Diseases: Obstructions, strictures, or bile duct leaks.
• Vascular Disorders: Portal vein thrombosis or hepatic artery stenosis.
• Metastatic Liver Disease: Minimally invasive therapies to control tumor growth.

What to Expect During an IR Procedure

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment to determine the best approach.
2. Imaging Guidance: Procedures are performed using real-time imaging for precision.
3. Minimally Invasive Technique: Small incisions or punctures minimize recovery time.
4. Post-Procedure Care: Detailed follow-up to ensure proper healing and effectiveness.