New Delhi: When 42-year-old Yamini (not her real name) was diagnosed with fibroids in her uterus, she feared major surgery and weeks of confinement. However, her doctor suggested Interventional Radiology, a minimally invasive treatment that uses advanced imaging to guide tiny tubes and wires inside the body. Through a tiny nick in her skin, doctors treated the fibroids without removing her uterus. Yamini was walking the same evening and went home the next day.

Testimony of a relieved patient after IR

Interventional Radiology (IR) is often referred to as “the future of modern medicine.” Despite being around for almost three decades, many people are still unaware of this technology. According to Dr. Ajit Yadav from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, “people are skeptical about new medical innovations, just like during the Emergency period when vasectomy was ordered by the government, and people were afraid of its consequences.”

Dr. Abhishek Bansal, an Interventional Radiologist, from Delhi’s Akash Hospital explained that IR is covered under PM Modi’s Ayushman Bharat Mission and is now being offered in many government hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Initially restricted to big cities, IR is now reaching Tier 2 cities, and more people are opting for it due to increasing awareness.

IR is a medical specialty where doctors use advanced imaging to guide tiny tubes and wires inside the body to treat diseases. “Think of it as keyhole surgery taken a step further,” Dr. Bansal said. “Patients don’t need big cuts or stitches, and many go home the same day.”

Kapil Ramani, a patient who underwent IR, shared his experience: “It matters a lot for the common man as it is covered under Ayushman Bharat. Less pain, faster recovery – I was given a small cut, and my operation was done with less discomfort and shorter hospital stays.”

Dr. Geetika Sindwani from Safdarjung Hospital highlighted the benefits of IR: day-care treatments, wide applications, and fewer risks of bleeding and infection. She shared cases where IR was used to stop internal bleeding after an accident, treat cancer, and dissolve clots in the brain during a stroke.

Despite the availability of IR in many hospitals, awareness is still a major issue. Dr. Sindwani emphasized that patients should not hesitate to ask their doctor if an IR option exists, as it can make a significant difference in their recovery time.

The trend is clear – patients want safe, effective, and less painful options. Interventional Radiology offers just that, and for many, it could mean the difference between a long hospital stay and walking home the next day. As Dr. Sindwani put it, “Sometimes, modern medicine doesn’t need a scalpel. A pinhole is enough.”

In another case, a patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, underwent Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) and experienced remarkable improvement in his symptoms. He shared his story, highlighting the impact of IR on his quality of life.

Cover Image: Canva