Interventional Radiology and Pain Management

Introduction: The review aims to highlight the effectiveness of interventional radiology in pain management under image guidance for increased accuracy with decreased complications as compared with a routine approach.

Method(s): Interventional pain management is another area in which interventional radiology can help patients with targeted treatments which are mostly done blind without image guidance. Procedures like peripheral nerve blocks, intra discal and peri ganglionic blocks, intra articular injections, celiac axis and ganglion impar blocks for cancer pains can be done using ultrasound, fluoro- and CT-guided procedures.

Result(s): Procedures done are very precise with every movement of the needle being observed under image guidance resulting in minimal chances of soft-tissue or vascular injury.

Conclusion(s): Interventional pain-relieving procedures have increased safety and fewer complications compared with the traditional blind approach. IR pain management can be a new venue for upcoming fellows.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023