Pediatric Interventional Radiology

Pediatric interventional radiology is specialized branch of interventional radiology.

While it has similarities with adult practice of interventional radiology, it offers a unique service centered on improving the wellbeing of a child in a family centered approach.  These procedures usually mean children can avoid undergoing conventional surgery if clinically appropriate. We believe our interdisciplinary collaboration with other health care professionals is vital for management of various medical conditions to afford our children the best possible care.

Who performs it?
Our pediatric interventional radiologist has expertise in the use of various interventional radiology techniques and utilizes new innovations and specialized kits dedicated to improving the health care of children.  He regularly performed pediatric interventional radiology procedures.

What are the risks?
This procedure is associated with the significantly lower risks compared to conventional surgery.  Minor risks include bruising and bleeding, small risk of infection or allergy to contrast or any administered medication.  The radiation dose of different image guided procedures is usually small and is carefully monitored. More significant risks including injury to adjacent structures and organs that may require additional procedures or surgery.  

Broadly speaking pain associated with a interventional radiology procedure is minimal and well controlled compared to surgical alternative. Usually, pediatric interventional radiology procedures are carried out with the patient sedated or under general anesthesia.

All significant risks of pediatric interventional radiology procedures are rare occurring less than 0.5% of cases.

Pediatric interventional radiology procedures performed at American Hospital Dubai include the following:

1. Percutaneous biopsy e.g., lung, liver, kidney, thyroid, lymph node, or bone biopsy
2. Aspiration and drainage of fluid collection
3. Central venous access e.g., portacath, picc lines and hichman lines.
4. Gastrointestinal intervention e.g., feeding tubes, esophageal dilatation, change of gastrostomy bottons, percutaneous cholangiography and biliary intervention.
5. Percutaneous thoracocentesis and paracentesis
6. Urological intervention e.g., nephrostomy, ureteric dilatation and pyeloplasty.
7. Vascular anomalies e.g., venous and lymphatic malformation sclerotherapy
8. Angiography and Arterial interventions e.g., embolization, angioplasty, stenting.
9. Percutaneous radiofrequency, microwave and cryoablation e.g., in tumors or vascular anomalies.