• Interventional radiology provides minimally invasive treatment of diseases 

Kathmandu, April 10

Lack of interventional radiologists in the country has compelled many patients to undergo expensive surgeries.

Interventional radiologists use imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, fluoroscopy (an X-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion), CT (computed tomography) scans and ultrasounds.

“There are only two interventional radiologists in the country. This is why we have not been able to provide this service to many patients. We are working on producing more interventional radiologists so that more patients can benefit,” said Prof Dr Swoyam Prakash Pandit, consultant radiologist at Bir Hospital.

“Interventional radiology is an alternative to open surgery. It is beneficial for patients as this procedure reduces risk, pain and recovery time for patients,” added Dr Pandit.

Interventional radiology helps in performing biopsy of patients and in angioplasty. It can also be used in the treatment of cancer patients. The interventional procedure helps to locate the exact position of the tumour and cut off blood supply, or damage the cancerous tissue itself. The radiology is used in management of cancers of colorectal, breast, gallbladder, pancreas, lung, esophageal, stomach, melanoma and sarcomas.

However, unavailability of interventional radiologists in the country has been affecting the treatment of patients, according to Dr Pandit.

“Interventional radiology is very effective in the treatment of uterine fibroids. It is helpful to shrink uterine fibroid and save uterus,” added Dr Pandit.

In addition, lack of the interventional radiologists in the country is adversely affecting treatment of retinoblastoma — a kind of eye cancer in children. “We have to refer children suffering from retinoblastoma, who are in the need of interventional radiology treatment, to India or the USA as we lack such radiologists,” said Dr Ben Limbu, consultant oculoplasty surgeon at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.

“Had there been sufficient number of interventional radiologists in the country,treatment of eye cancer would have been possible here,” added Dr Limbu.