Gastrointestinal Interventions

Abstract

Interventional radiology has brought several significant advances to the field of gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) interventions over the last 40 years. Minimally invasive percutaneous techniques have reduced risk and facilitated easier management of patients with dysphasia of various origins and obstructions of the esophagus and colon. Patients consequently avoid surgical procedures and their associated morbidity and mortality risks. Interventional radiologists can thus play an essential role in improving and maintaining their patients’ quality of life with regard to their nutrition and well-being.

This chapter will act as an introduction to the main gastrointestinal interventions in which interventional radiology is involved. One of the important goals of GI interventions is to provide enteral nutritional access in patients who are unable to safely consume food or drink orally. Having impaired per oral (PO) intake greatly increases the risk of aspiration and associated complications and requires prompt clinical management. The main indication for GI interventions is dysphagia secondary to neurological deficits, masses, post-radiation mucositis, etc. The two main forms of percutaneous feeding tubes are radiology-inserted gastrostomy (RIG) (Fig. 12.1) and gastrojejunostomy (Fig. 12.2). Other GI interventions discussed in this chapter include esophageal and colonic stenting for malignant obstructions.