Interventional Radiology

When you need advanced care without the stress of traditional open surgery, interventional radiology offers a smarter, more precise solution. Using advanced imaging and highly targeted procedures, this approach treats complex urologic conditions with less pain, less risk, and faster recovery.

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our specialists provide comprehensive, patient-centered care using the latest image-guided techniques. If you’re exploring minimally invasive options for your condition, contact one of our Georgia locations today to learn how we can help.

What is Interventional Radiology in Urology?

Interventional radiology in urology combines advanced medical imaging with highly targeted, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of urologic conditions. Instead of large incisions, an interventional radiologist accesses the treatment area through a tiny needle or small catheters inserted into small vessels.

Using imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT scans, and other forms of radiologic imaging, the specialist can precisely navigate through blood vessels and organs to deliver therapy exactly where it is needed. This image-guided treatment approach allows physicians to treat medical conditions affecting the kidneys, prostate, bladder, and surrounding structures with exceptional accuracy.

Unlike traditional open surgery, which often requires longer hospital stays and recovery times, IR procedures are typically performed with local anesthesia or conscious sedation. This reduces stress on the body and helps patients return to normal activities more quickly.

The Uses of Interventional Radiology in Urology

Interventional radiology urology applications are broad and continue to expand as technology advances. These procedures are commonly used to address:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Varicoceles
• Renal tumors
• Nephrostomy tube placement

For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia can be treated with Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive treatment that works by reducing blood flow to the prostate. By blocking selected arteries, physicians can decrease blood flow to the enlarged tissue, relieving urinary symptoms without surgery.

For tumors, options such as tumor ablation—including radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation—can directly destroy cancer cells. Some cases may involve selective internal radiation therapy, where a radioactive substance is delivered directly into the tumor through the bloodstream as part of interventional oncology care.

In men with varicoceles, the enlarged veins in the scrotum caused by faulty one-way valves can lead to pain and fertility issues. Varicocele embolization treats these enlarged veins by inserting small catheters into them and releasing a tiny coil. This coil induces clotting, sealing off abnormal veins and restoring healthy blood flow. Similar techniques are used in treating varicose veins and other forms of vascular disease.

For kidney tumors, tumor ablation may involve extremely cold temperatures or heat-based energy to destroy abnormal tissue while preserving healthy kidney function. In other cases, nephrostomy tubes are placed to relieve blockages affecting urine drainage.

The Benefits of Interventional Radiology

One of the most significant advantages of interventional radiology is that it is minimally invasive. Since procedures are performed through a tiny incision rather than large surgical openings, patients typically experience:

• Less pain
• Less risk of complications
• Shorter recovery times
• Reduced hospital stays
• Faster return to daily activities

Compared to traditional open surgery, these minimally invasive options often avoid general anesthesia. Many IR procedures are performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation, which reduces anesthesia-related risks.

Additionally, advanced imaging allows for precise targeting of abnormal tissue while protecting surrounding structures. This precision is particularly important when working near delicate areas such as the bile ducts and major blood vessels.

By directly addressing abnormal blood flow, blood clots, or tumors, interventional radiologists can treat the root cause of many conditions. The ability to selectively block small vessels or treat small vessels without damaging healthy tissue makes these procedures both safe and effective.

The Services We Provide

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we offer comprehensive image-guided services for a wide range of conditions:

BPH / Prostate

We provide prostate artery embolization to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. This technique reduces prostate size by restricting its blood supply, relieving urinary symptoms without open surgery. We also offer targeted tumor ablation techniques.

Nephrostomy Tubes

When urinary obstruction occurs, nephrostomy tubes can be placed using imaging guidance to safely restore drainage from the kidneys.

Renal Tumors

Using radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, we can treat selected renal tumors with minimal disruption to surrounding kidney tissue.

Varicoceles

Varicocele embolization effectively treats enlarged veins in the scrotum by blocking abnormal circulation and improving symptoms.

Our interventional radiologists collaborate closely with urologists to develop individualized care plans. Every procedure is tailored to the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, and overall health.

Why Choose Urology of Greater Atlanta for IR Procedures?

Choosing the right provider matters. Our team combines expertise in urology and interventional radiology with state-of-the-art medical imaging technology. We focus on delivering compassionate care while offering innovative solutions that prioritize comfort and safety.

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we make advanced, minimally invasive care accessible and convenient. If you are seeking alternatives to traditional open surgery, contact us at one of our offices in Georgia today to schedule a consultation and learn whether IR procedures are right for you.