Interventional radiology of the liver and pancreas

Interventional radiology is a rapidly developing subspecialty that combines traditional imaging procedures with minimally invasive therapeutic procedures performed under radiologic guidance. Appropriate use of interventional radiology avoids surgery and eliminates the need for general anesthesia, thereby decreasing patient morbidity, length of hospitalization and cost. This article provides an overview of the development of interventional radiology as a subspecialty and discusses its role in the treatment of diseases of the liver, pancreas and biliary tract.