Gastro Interventions at CVIC provide advanced, image-guided, non-surgical treatments for a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. From blocked bile ducts and gastrointestinal bleeding to abdominal abscesses and enteral access, our interventional techniques are designed to offer safe, effective, and faster alternatives to traditional surgery.
Performed by experienced interventional radiologists and guided by high-precision imaging tools, these procedures help restore digestive function, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life—especially for high-risk or critically ill patients.
What Are Gastro Interventions?
Gastrointestinal (GI) interventions are minimally invasive procedures that use imaging technologies such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, and endoscopy to diagnose and treat diseases affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and biliary system. These interventions can be both life-saving and supportive in chronic GI disorders or cancer-related conditions.
Key Benefits of Gastro Interventions at CVIC:
• Minimally invasive with no need for open surgery
• Shorter recovery times and hospital stays
• Safe for elderly, critically ill, or cancer patients
• Targeted procedures reduce risks and improve outcomes
• Quick relief from symptoms such as obstruction, bleeding, or infection
• Useful in both emergency and planned settings
Conditions Treated with Gastro Interventions
1. Biliary Obstruction
Caused by stones, strictures, or tumors, treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and stenting.
2. Malignant Gastric or Colonic Obstruction
Stent placement can restore passage of food or stool when surgery is not an option.
3. Liver Abscess or Pancreatic Collections
Image-guided drainage procedures help resolve infections and reduce pain and swelling.
4. Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Angiographic embolization helps control active GI bleeding when endoscopy fails or is not possible.
5. Enteral Access for Feeding
Placement of feeding tubes (PEG/PEJ) for patients unable to take oral nutrition.
6. Pancreatic Pseudocysts
Non-surgical drainage offers a safer and effective solution for symptomatic cysts.
7. Bowel Leaks or Fistulas
Managed with drainage catheters and diversion procedures to promote healing.
Types of Gastro Interventional Procedures
1. Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)
A catheter is inserted into the bile ducts through the liver to relieve blockage and drain infected bile.
2. Biliary Stenting
Metal or plastic stents are placed through PTBD to maintain bile flow in cases of strictures or malignancy.
3. Gastrointestinal Stenting
Self-expandable metallic stents are placed to relieve malignant obstruction in the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
4. Percutaneous Drainage of Abdominal Abscess
Image-guided catheter drainage of liver abscesses, pancreatic fluid collections, and intra-abdominal pus pockets.
5. Enteral Tube Placement
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy (PEJ)
These provide long-term feeding access for patients with dysphagia or neurologic conditions.
6. Transcatheter Embolization for GI Bleeding
Coils or embolic agents are used to block bleeding vessels detected via mesenteric angiography.
7. Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage
Guided catheter placement into pseudocysts to drain fluid and resolve symptoms without surgery.
Additional Gastro Interventions at CVIC:
• TACE
• TIPS
• RFA
• BRTO
• Bleeder Embolization
• PTBD & Metallic Stenting
How Gastro Interventions Work at CVIC
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Diagnosis:
Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy are used to assess the digestive system and identify the best interventional approach.
2. Pre-Procedural Assessment:
Includes medical evaluation, lab tests (LFTs, coagulation profile), and imaging to plan the safest technique.
3. Procedure Execution:
Performed under local anesthesia and sedation in an interventional suite using image-guided techniques.
4. Recovery:
Patients are observed for a few hours to a day depending on the procedure. Most experience quick symptom relief.
5. Follow-Up:
Follow-up imaging, stent changes, and clinical reviews ensure long-term success and prevention of recurrence.
Latest Advancements at CVIC in Gastro Interventions
• Metallic Self-Expandable Stents for Malignancy – Improved long-term patency and comfort.
• Low-Radiation Imaging Suites – Safer for repeated procedures and pediatric patients.
• AI-Guided Lesion Detection and Navigation – Enhances targeting during biopsies or drainages.
• Dual-Modality Imaging (CT + Ultrasound) – Greater precision in complex fluid collection drainages.
• Therapeutic Paracentesis with Albumin Support – For managing recurrent ascites safely.
Why Choose CVIC for Gastro Interventions?
• Expert Team of Interventional Radiologists and GI Specialists – Extensive experience in GI-related procedures.
• Comprehensive Digestive Care – From emergency relief to palliative management.
• High-End Imaging Technology – Ensures safe and precise execution of all procedures.
• 24/7 Emergency Availability – For GI bleeding, obstructive jaundice, and infected collections.
• Patient-Centered Care – Focus on comfort, quick recovery, and coordinated follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these procedures painful?
No. Most are done under sedation or local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
2. Can these procedures be done in an emergency?
Yes. GI bleeding control, biliary drainage, and abscess drainage are often life-saving in emergencies.
3. How long does recovery take?
Many gastro interventions are day-care procedures, with patients recovering within 24–48 hours.
4. Will I need surgery later?
In many cases, these interventions eliminate the need for surgery. If needed, they help stabilize the patient before surgery.
5. Is it safe for elderly or high-risk patients?
Absolutely. These are often the safest options for those unfit for general anesthesia or surgery.
6. Are follow-ups required?
Yes. Stents may need changing, and imaging may be repeated to ensure treatment success.
7. Are these covered by insurance?
Yes. Most procedures are medically necessary and covered by insurance plans.
8. Are these procedures permanent solutions?
Some are definitive (like abscess drainage), while others (like stenting) may require periodic maintenance.