Before the procedure
Your clinical team confirms why the procedure is being considered, reviews imaging and labs when needed, and gives procedure-specific instructions.
What to Expect
Interventional radiology, from check-in to getting back home.
If you have never heard of interventional radiology, that is normal. Most procedures use imaging, a small access point, and a catheter or needle to treat a problem from inside the body—often without a large surgical incision.
First Things First
What does an interventional radiologist actually do?
We use ultrasound, X-ray/fluoroscopy, CT, and angiography to see inside the body in real time and guide treatment precisely. Some procedures travel through a blood vessel with a catheter; others place a needle directly into the target under imaging guidance.
Procedure day
You check in, meet the nursing and procedural team, review the plan and consent, and receive the level of anesthesia or sedation appropriate for that procedure.
Image-guided treatment
Imaging helps guide a catheter or needle to the target. The access site is usually small, but the exact approach depends on the treatment.
Recovery
You are monitored after the procedure. Some patients go home the same day; others need observation or an overnight stay depending on the procedure and medical condition.
Preparing
A simple checklist before procedure day.
Your actual instructions from the scheduling and clinical team always take priority because fasting, medication changes, lab work, and transportation needs vary by procedure.
Bring an up-to-date medication list.Include blood thinners, diabetes medicines, supplements, allergies, and any prior contrast reactions.
Know which imaging has already been done.MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, or prior procedure records may affect planning.
Follow the specific fasting instructions you receive.Do not assume every IR procedure uses the same fasting rules.
Do not stop prescription medicines on your own.If a medication needs to be held or adjusted, the treating team should tell you exactly what to do.
Ask whether you need a driver.This depends on sedation, anesthesia, procedure type, and the facility’s discharge policy.
Bring the question you actually want answered.What problem are we treating? What are the alternatives? What should improvement look like, and how quickly?
Procedure-Specific Expectations
The recovery story is different for every procedure.
These are broad expectations, not personal medical instructions. Your individual plan depends on your health, anatomy, medications, and the exact procedure.
PAEUsually an arterial catheter procedure. Urinary symptoms generally improve gradually rather than immediately.
UFECramping, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, and a post-embolization inflammatory response are common parts of the early recovery discussion.
GAEUsually outpatient in selected patients. The goal is gradual improvement in osteoarthritis pain rather than structural replacement of the joint.
Y90Typically includes a planning/mapping phase before treatment. Follow-up imaging and oncology coordination are part of the pathway.
Tumor AblationNeedle-based image-guided treatment. Recovery depends on the organ treated, tumor location, and anesthesia plan.
TIPSA more complex portal-hypertension procedure that commonly requires hospital-based monitoring and close coordination with hepatology/GI.
Afterward
What happens after you leave?
The most important part is knowing what is expected, what is not, and who to call if something changes.
Expected recovery
Mild access-site soreness, fatigue, or procedure-specific discomfort may occur. Your discharge instructions should tell you what is expected and how to manage it.
Activity
Return to work, exercise, lifting, travel, and driving vary by procedure. Follow the written instructions given for your specific treatment.
Follow-up
Some treatments improve symptoms gradually and some require follow-up imaging or specialty visits. The procedure is not the end of the care pathway.
When to seek help
Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, significant bleeding, fainting, new neurologic symptoms, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or anything that feels like an emergency should be evaluated urgently.
One Door Health
Know the plan before you walk through the door.
The education pages and visit guides are designed so you arrive understanding what problem is being treated, what alternatives exist, and what questions you want answered.
Questions before scheduling?
For routine scheduling and practice information, contact Pueblo Radiology Medical Group.
Call Pueblo Radiology Medical Group →Visit Pueblo Radiology Medical Group ↗Reach out
Contact Mike Swikehardt, MD directly.
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