As a leader in comprehensive urologic care, Urology Associates Of Southeastern North Carolina, P.A. is proud to offer new minimally invasive treatment options for the treatment of enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, varicoceles and hemorrhoids. These conditions can now be treated in our new, office-based, outpatient Interventional Radiology suite located in Wilmington. Patients are treated with personalized care by our staff and physician on the day of their procedure. No general anesthesia is required, and the patient can return home within hours of the procedure.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that performs minimally invasive treatments using radiologic imaging for procedure guidance. Interventional radiology treatments have become the primary method of care for a variety of conditions. IR treatments can offer less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time compared to surgery.
Interventional radiologists use x-rays, CT, MRI or other imaging guidance to navigate small instruments through blood vessels and organs to treat a variety of diseases. Examples of treatments administered by interventional radiologists include embolization, image-guided thermal ablation, biopsy, thrombolysis, angioplasty and heart stents. These minimally invasive treatments can cure or alleviate symptoms of osteo arthritis, frozen shoulder enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, enlarged veins, vascular disease, stroke and cancer.
Interventional radiologists are also experts at reading and interpreting x-rays, ultrasound, CTs, MRIs and other forms of medical imaging.
What are the advantages of Interventional Radiology?
The advantages of these minimally invasive techniques include reduced risks, faster recover, greater comfort, and a quicker return to work. The effectiveness of treatment may be better than with traditional treatments. IR is particularly relevant for patients who are in frail health or who have already undergone numerous surgeries.