PREPARATION FOR AN IR PROCEDURE

• Procedure may be done either on an out-patient basis, as a day procedure where you will be booked into a ward for the day and possibly a night.
• These procedures may also be done as part of a hospital stay for other treatments therefore as an in-patient.
• For Port / Perm catheter bookings an explanation of the procedure is given at the time of booking (if booking is made directly with the patient). Alternately, if the rooms make the booking the procedure will be explained to the patient on arrival.
• For the more complicated Interventional studies, the Radiologists will often consult with the patient prior to the procedure, where an explanation of the procedure is given.
• As part of the procedure a light sedation may be given. Please arrange for a responsible driver to accompany you.
• A General Anaesthetic (GA) may be required. You will be informed of this when the booking is scheduled.
• Previous scans (MRI, CT, X-Ray or U/S) not done by Lake, Smit and Partners, must be brought with you on the day, if not already delivered to us.
• You are required to read and complete an informed consent form. Lake, Smit and Partners complies with all the regulations of the Medical Control Council.
• Various blood tests are required and will be arranged at time of booking

BOOKING AN INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURE

Your referring doctor with co-ordinate the booking with one our Interventional Nursing Sisters. The Nursing Sister will contact you and inform you of all the relevant information.

Please inform the Radiographer or Nursing Sister (in X-Ray), prior to the IR procedure, should any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
• If you have an iodine allergy, a special preparation 24 hours prior to the procedure will be required.
• If you are Diabetic

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR IR PROCEDURE:

This varies depending on which IR Procedure you are undergoing.

For Ports and Perm Catheter insertion or removal an explanation of the procedure will be given at time of appointment.

For some of the complicated studies the Radiologist will schedule a consult with you, where an explanation of the procedure is given.

The Interventional Radiologist will use X-Rays, fluoroscopic angiography or CT Scanning to navigate small catheters to the affected organs for treatment.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS TAKE?

During and after the procedure the patient will be kept informed by the Radiologist. The Radiologist will also visit patients’ in the ward before discharge from the ward.

Should the examination require a biopsy or removal of tissue, pathology lab results are delivered to your referring doctor.