Interventional radiology in nephrology and urology

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Interventional radiology has rapidly advanced since its inception in Egypt in 1982.
• Nephrology benefits from interventional radiology in three primary areas: renal fossa, renal graft complications, and hemodialysis access.
• This review details clinical applications and personal experiences with interventional radiological procedures in nephrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications of interventional radiology in nephrology.
• To highlight the role of interventional radiology in managing renal fossa conditions, transplant complications, and hemodialysis access.
• To present the authors' experience with these interventional procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical applications of interventional radiology in nephrology.
• Procedures discussed include renal artery dilatation, renal artery embolization, management of graft artery stenosis, arterio-venous fistulas, lymphocele drainage, native kidney ablation, and hemodialysis shunt correction.
• Inclusion of personal case experiences.

Main Results:

• Interventional radiology effectively addresses renal fossa issues like stenosis and embolization.
• Management of renal transplant complications, including stenosis, fistulas, lymphoceles, and native kidney ablation, is feasible.
• Malfunctioning hemodialysis shunts and temporary catheter insertions are successfully managed.

Conclusions:

• Interventional radiology plays a crucial role in managing diverse nephrological conditions.
• Minimally invasive techniques offer effective solutions for renal fossa, transplant, and hemodialysis access challenges.
• The presented experience underscores the value of interventional radiology in improving nephrology patient care.