Patient Information

UHCW Patient Information Leaflets are available for the following procedures:

Further information leaflets are available from the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) website:

https://www.bsir.org/patients/patient-information-leaflets/

Patient FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Will I have to stay overnight after my procedure?

A: Many procedures can be performed as day case procedures and you can be discharged on the same day if there are no complications. Some procedures require an overnight stay and your doctor should tell you this when you are referred for a procedure. You can find further information about specific procedures on the "Common IR Procedures Explained" page of this website or in the "Patient Information Leaflets" section above.

Q: Will I be put to sleep for my procedure?

A: Many procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic and it’s not necessary to put you to sleep. For long or complex procedures, mild sedation is often used to keep you calm. Only highly complex procedures require a general anaesthetic which is relatively rare. Your doctor should tell you whether this will be required when you are referred for a procedure. You can find further information about specific procedures on the "Common IR Procedures Explained" page of this website or in the "Patient Information Leaflets" section above.

Q: How long will my procedure take?

A: Simple procedures such as biopsies can take as little at 15mins, but most Interventional Radiology procedures take about an hour. Only highly complex procedures take longer than this and you should be informed of this by your doctor when you are referred for a procedure. You can find further information about specific procedures in the "Patient Information Leaflets" section above.

Q: Are Interventional Radiologists called Dr. or Mr.?

A: In the UK, all doctors when they finish medical school become Dr. Those who train to become surgeons revert to being called Mr. when they complete their Consultant exams and join the Royal College of Surgeons. Interventional Radiologists, first train to be radiologists and join the Royal College of Radiologists, therefore they continue to be called Dr. throughout their career and do not adopt the Mr. title.

Q: I understand Interventional Procedures use x-rays, are the x-rays harmful to me?

A: X-rays can be harmful but the doses used in interventional procedures are kept as low as possible, but it is necessary to use x-rays to perform most procedures safely. The doctor will only use x-rays when absolutely necessary and use the lowest possible amount to minimise your exposure to radiation.

Q: Can a friend or relative stay with me for my procedure?

A: Unfortunately we do not allow friends or family to stay with patients whilst you are having your procedure for a variety of reasons. Friends and family will be asked to wait outside theatre and will see you immediately following the procedure.

Q: Can I get free parking because I am having a procedure?

A: Parking can be reimbursed for some patients with long term underlying medical conditions such as renal failure or cancer but most patients unfortunately do not qualify for free parking.

Q: What is the waiting list like for IR procedures?

A: This is highly variable as certain procedures can only be performed by specific IR Consultants. All procedures are reviewed by the Consultants, categorised and booked as quickly as possible. Some procedures can be performed within a few weeks, whereas others might take a few months.

Q: Do I have to be "nil by mouth" for my procedure?

A: Only procedures requiring sedation or a general anaesthetic require you to be "nil by mouth". You should be informed of this when referred for a procedure or in your appointment letter.

Q: How soon can I go back to work after a procedure?

A: As IR procedures are minimally invasive, most patients can return to work after just a few days. More complex procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolisation, may require you to be off work for about a week. You should be informed of this by the doctor who refers you for the procedure or during your clinic appointment.

Q: Who will be performing my procedure?

A: If you've been seen in clinic by a Consultant, you should nearly always have your procedure performed by that Consultant or a Senior Registrar under the Consultants supervision. If there are emergencies on the day of your procedure, it might be necessary for a different Consultant to perform your procedure but you will be informed if this is necessary and this is a very rare occurrence.

Q: Do I have to have a blood test or a canula?

A: It's important that we check your blood results to ensure it's safe to proceed with your procedure. We sometimes have to repeat blood tests on the day of your procedure. It is often necessary to insert a canula (a small plastic tube into a blood vessel in the arm/hand) in case we need to give you any medications.

Q: Can I get a sick note?

A: Patients are able to self-certify for 7days without the need for a sick note. If you have specific requirements from your employer, inform a member of the team and a letter/sick note can be provided.

Q: When can I resume normal activities like going to the gym, sexual intercourse etc?

A: For most procedures, taking it easy for 48hours after your procedure is advised before resuming normal activities. After that your body will guide you as to when it feels ready to return to normal.

Q: When can I start to drive after my procedure?

A: We strongly advise that you get a lift home after your procedure and don't drive on the same day. If you feel ready you can drive the next day for most procedures. Your doctor will inform you if for any reason this isn't the case.

Q: Can you sign my insurance paperwork so I can claim money back for being in hospital?

A: Please inform a member of the team if this is required and the necessary arrangements can be made.

Patient Feedback

“After my uterine fibroid embolisation procedure, I had very light periods, lasting exactly 5 days on a regular basis. No pain or clotting. Really happy. OG”

“Thank you for your kind letter explaining to me the exact nature of the procedure you carried out for me. I am delighted to have the opportunity to thank you Dr Gupta for keeping me alive that night. I am forever indebted to you for your dedication and your expertise during what must have been long, arduous hours in the theatre. With my sincere thanks, and those of my husband, CD”

“Thank you very much to the fantastic staff who looked after us in the last few days of my husband's life. We will always remember you and are very grateful to you for the kind support. A special thanks to Dr Gupta and Dr Harding. Lots of love, Mrs V & family”

“We really felt that we had to write to you to give you feedback on the excellent, professional care we received on a recent visit to University Hospital. My wife was booked into the Radiology Intervention Unit to have a filter removed. Following a CT scan we met with Dr Gupta for explanation and discussion of the situation and potential treatment. Dr Gupta was professional, clear and straightforward about the problem and the potential treatment. He made clear the risks involved but shared with us his proposed course of action and back up plans if needed. We agreed for the procedure to go ahead much impressed by his calm and knowledgeable manner. Jasmine, one of the nurses took blood samples in the most professional, calm and reassuring way. When we presented ourselves to the Radiology Intervention Unit we were much reassured to be met by Jasmine with her smiling face and quiet manner. While waiting for the procedure to commence other nurses and staff members were welcoming and friendly. One nurse, Claire, found time to sit with us and talk for a few minutes which was very reassuring. Dr Gupta arrived and it was time for the procedure. During the procedure a radiology nurse, Sian, was a reassuring and calming influence. Dr Gupta, a skilful, reassuring doctor, carried out the actions necessary to successfully remove the filter which had presented challenging difficulties. After recovery time, blood pressure checks etc, we were able to leave the hospital. Please pass on our thanks, gratitude and admiration to your wonderful staff. Yours sincerely, S&T B”

“I would like to say that Dr Gupta has been absolutely fantastic in all aspects from our first meeting, uterine embolisation and after care. Thank you very much Neil. LH”

"I have been well looked after and enjoyed the time with the nurses. Happy smiles and very good at their jobs. KB"

"The kindness shown by staff on reception and the welcome from the medical staff was excellent and the procedure went well with kindness shown by staff. Thank you. LJ"

"Dear Dr Harding, nurses & team, thank you for the exceptional professionalism you have shown throughout my visit. I've enjoyed witnessing such brilliant capability & care first hand. Sincere thank you to you all. BG"

"Everyone so kind & thoughtful. Made the visit so nice. Even gave coffee & biscuits as we live a long way away. BB"

"Dear Dr Dhillon & team, thank you for everything you did for me today, it was a very caring doctor and team. Well impressed with staff & doctors. Well done. VW"

"First class care & attention from every member of staff. Provided food was hot, tasty and very welcome. JW"

"Relaxed atmosphere, instructions given were clear. Much kindness shown to patient & family. Very thorough. HW"

"Dr Dhillon & Claire, thank you for your kindness & openness. You made me feel easy, relaxed which is very reassuring when you are in hospital so thanks for everything. AG"

"The profession treatment whilst in your care and the attention you gave was exceptional. Every one of you treated me with the upmost consideration & kindness. AW"

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