Gastro Interventional Radiology

Gastro Interventional Radiology (IR) is a part of Interventional Radiology procedures, which provides minimally invasive treatment for liver, biliary, and portal hypertension-related conditions. These include Trans Jugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB), Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) with biliary stenting for biliary obstruction, BATO/BRTO procedures for gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy in portal hypertension, TIPSS for refractory ascites and oesophageal varices, DIPS procedure for Budd-Chiari syndrome, and Partial Splenic Artery Embolization for hypersplenism. These procedures help manage complex gastrointestinal and liver disorders with faster recovery and reduced need for major surgery.

 

TJLB (Trans Jugular Liver Biopsy)

Trans Jugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB) is a minimally invasive Interventional Radiology (IR) procedure that collects liver tissue samples for the detection of liver disorders. The process includes inserting a catheter into the neck's jugular vein and guiding it into the liver veins to safely collect the biopsy sample. TJLB is especially effective in patients with liver disease, ascites, or bleeding risk, where a traditional liver biopsy may be unsafe.

PTBD with Biliary stenting

PTBD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage) with biliary stenting is a minimally invasive Interventional Radiology (IR) procedure used to treat bile duct blockage caused by diseases such as stones, strictures, or tumours. To drain bile and restore normal flow, a tiny catheter is introduced through the liver into the obstructed bile duct under imaging guidance. In many cases, a biliary stent is inserted to keep the duct open for long-term drainage. This method also helps to reduce jaundice, relieve infection and pain, improve liver function, and avoid major surgery, resulting in a speedier recovery.

BATO/ BRTO 

BATO/BRTO (Balloon Assisted Antegrade/Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration) is an Interventional Radiology (IR) treatment that treats gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy caused by portal hypertension. Using imaging guidance, a balloon catheter is inserted into the veins to prevent aberrant blood flow, and specific agents are administered to close larger varices or shunts. These techniques help control or prevent bleeding, alleviate hepatic symptoms, and reduce problems associated with portal hypertension without requiring major surgery.

TIPSS 

TIPSS (Trans Jugular Intra-hepatic Porto-systemic Shunt) is a minimally invasive Interventional Radiology (IR) technique that reduces high pressure in the portal vein caused by liver disease or portal hypertension. A stent is implanted inside the liver to provide a route between the portal and hepatic veins, which improves blood flow. TIPSS is a frequent procedure for refractory ascites and bleeding oesophageal varices that do not respond to medical or endoscopic therapy. This method aids in the management of complications associated with portal hypertension, lowers symptoms, and can enhance patient quality of life without requiring major surgery.

DIPS 

DIPS (Direct Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) is a specialized treatment of Interventional Radiology (IR) that treats Budd-Chiari syndrome, a rare condition caused by hepatic vein blockage. This surgery involves creating a conduit into the liver to reroute blood flow and lower pressure in the liver circulation. DIPS, which is performed under imaging guidance, can help reduce symptoms such as abdominal edema, liver congestion, and portal hypertension. It enhances blood flow, promotes liver function, and can assist patients with severe illness in avoiding major surgery.

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization

Partial splenic artery embolization is a minimally invasive Interventional Radiology (IR) surgery used to treat hypersplenism, which is characterized by an enlarged spleen that destroys blood cells excessively. Small particles are injected through a catheter under imaging guidance to block a section of the splenic artery, limiting blood flow to the spleen and increasing blood cell count. This operation aids in the management of low platelet and blood cell levels, minimizes symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen, and, in many cases, eliminates the need for surgical splenectomy.


Dr. Rishav Anand

Dr. Rishav Anand

Vascular & Interventional Radiologist MBBS, MD Radiology (SSKM Hospital, Kol.) FVIR (AIG Hospital, Hyderabad)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Gastro Interventional Radiology (IR) includes minimally invasive procedures used to treat liver, bile duct, portal hypertension, and other gastrointestinal conditions using image guidance without major surgery.

Gastro IR can help manage conditions such as liver disease, blocked bile ducts, portal hypertension, gastric or oesophageal varices, refractory ascites, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and hypersplenism.

In many cases, Gastro IR procedures are less invasive than open surgery and usually involve smaller cuts, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.

These procedures are performed using ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT guidance. A small needle or catheter is inserted through the skin or blood vessels to reach the affected area and provide treatment.

Recovery depends on the type of procedure and the patient’s condition, but most patients recover faster compared to traditional surgery and can return to normal activities sooner.