What Happens During an Interventional Radiology Procedure — Is It Surgery?

Interventional radiology is not conventional surgery — it is a minimally invasive, image-guided approach to treating conditions that previously required open operations, offering faster recovery, less pain, and significantly reduced risk.

At Lokmanya Hospitals, we find that most patients referred for interventional radiology have never heard the term before their appointment. Understanding what this specialty involves removes fear and helps you prepare both mentally and physically.

Key Takeaways:

• Interventional radiology uses imaging to guide thin instruments through the body without large incisions
• It treats a wide range of conditions including blocked arteries, tumours, and internal bleeding
• Most procedures are performed under local anaesthesia with mild sedation — not general anaesthesia
• Recovery times are significantly shorter than open surgery
• Lokmanya Hospitals offers comprehensive interventional radiology treatment in Pune

What Exactly Is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology treatment refers to a range of procedures where a radiologist uses real-time imaging — fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, or MRI — to guide catheters, wires, needles, or stents through the body via small puncture sites, typically 2–3 mm in size.

There are no large surgical incisions. No operating theatre in the traditional sense. The radiologist works from inside blood vessels or body cavities, guided entirely by live imaging on a monitor.

Think of it as surgery performed from the inside, guided by a camera — without the wound.

What Conditions Can Interventional Radiology Treat?

Minimally invasive radiology covers an extensive and growing range of conditions:

• Uterine fibroids — treated with uterine artery embolisation (UAE), avoiding hysterectomy
• Liver and kidney tumours — treated with ablation or chemoembolisation
• Blocked or narrowed arteries — treated with angioplasty and stenting
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis
• Internal bleeding — controlled with embolisation techniques
• Varicose veins — treated with endovenous ablation
• Drainage of abscesses or fluid collections — using image-guided needle placement

How Are Image-Guided Procedures Actually Performed?

Image guided procedures follow a structured clinical process:

A small area of skin — usually the wrist, groin, or neck — is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia. A thin needle creates a tiny entry point, through which a wire and then a catheter (a flexible tube) are carefully advanced to the target site under continuous imaging guidance.

The treatment — whether it is delivering medication, blocking a blood vessel, or placing a stent — is then performed through the catheter. The entry site is closed with a small dressing or suture. Most patients are awake throughout, experiencing little more than mild pressure.

Is General Anaesthesia Required for Interventional Radiology?

In most cases, no. The majority of interventional radiology procedures are performed under local anaesthesia with conscious sedation — meaning you are awake but relaxed and comfortable. You can communicate with the clinical team throughout.

General anaesthesia is reserved for specific complex procedures or paediatric cases. This is one of the most significant advantages of interventional radiology over traditional surgery — reduced anaesthetic risk and faster post-procedure recovery.

At Lokmanya Hospitals — a Multispecialty Hospital in Pune — our interventional radiology suite is staffed by experienced interventional radiologists and trained nursing teams who ensure your comfort and safety throughout every procedure.

Consult Our Interventional Radiology Team Today

Lokmanya Hospitals, Pune — Minimally invasive. Maximum precision. Expert interventional radiology care.

Call or WhatsApp us to schedule a consultation with our interventional radiology specialist.

How Long Does Recovery Take After an Interventional Radiology Procedure?

Recovery depends on the specific procedure, but as a general guide:

• Most patients are observed for 2–6 hours post-procedure and discharged the same day
• Return to light activity is typically possible within 24–48 hours
• Full recovery for most procedures occurs within 1–2 weeks — compared to 4–8 weeks for equivalent open surgery
• Pain is usually managed with simple oral analgesics — intravenous pain management is rarely required

What Are the Risks of Interventional Radiology?

Like all medical procedures, interventional radiology carries risks — though they are considerably lower than open surgery. Potential risks include:

• Minor bruising or haematoma at the entry site
• Contrast dye reaction (rare, managed on-site)
• Infection (very rare with sterile technique)
• Incomplete treatment requiring a repeat procedure

At the Best Multispecialty Hospital, our interventional radiology team conducts a thorough pre-procedure assessment to minimise risk and ensure every patient is an appropriate candidate for the chosen approach.

Where Can You Access Interventional Radiology Services in Pune?

As a leading interventional radiology Hospital in Pune, Lokmanya Hospitals offers a full range of vascular, oncological, and non-vascular interventional procedures — performed by fellowship-trained interventional radiologists using state-of-the-art fluoroscopy and imaging guidance systems.

Conclusion

Interventional radiology represents one of the most significant advances in modern medicine — offering patients effective, targeted treatment through pathways that were unimaginable a generation ago. 

At Lokmanya Hospitals, Pune, our interventional radiology team combines technical precision with genuine compassion, ensuring every patient understands their procedure, feels supported throughout, and recovers with confidence. 

If you have been referred for an interventional radiology procedure or want to explore whether it is right for your condition, we are here to guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can interventional radiology completely replace surgery for all conditions? 

Not for all conditions, but for many. Interventional radiology is now the preferred treatment for uterine fibroids, peripheral artery disease, many liver tumours, and varicose veins. Your specialist will advise whether it is appropriate for your specific condition.

2. Will I be awake during the procedure? Is that safe? 

Yes, most patients remain awake with light sedation. This is safe and actually preferred — it allows you to follow simple instructions during the procedure and reduces the risks associated with general anaesthesia.

3. How do I know if I am a candidate for an interventional radiology procedure? 

A consultation with an interventional radiologist or your treating specialist will determine candidacy based on your diagnosis, overall health, imaging findings, and treatment goals.

4. Is interventional radiology available for children? 

Yes. Paediatric interventional radiology is a growing subspecialty. Procedures are adapted for younger patients with age-appropriate sedation and dose-minimised imaging protocols.

5. Does health insurance cover interventional radiology procedures in India? 

Most standard interventional procedures are covered under major health insurance plans in India, including cashless schemes. Lokmanya Hospitals' insurance team can assist with pre-authorisation and claims guidance.