Radiology is a field of medicine that has both diagnostic and treatment uses. However, there are many patients that are not particularly informed about this area of medicine. As a result, they might have some questions that need to be answered to make informed decisions about what they should expect from this procedure. Once you have been armed with the following answers to common questions, you will be better able to go through this procedure as an informed patient.
Will Undergoing Vascular Radiology Be Painful?
Regardless of the reason that you are needing the care of a vascular radiology professional, it is important to understand that this procedure will not be particularly painful. Typically, the medical professionals will need to insert a small catheter into your blood vessel. This is done through making a small incision for the tube to be inserted. To avoid causing pain, a local anesthesia will be administered.
Once the catheter is in place, a small amount of dye will be released into the bloodstream. This dye will be easily seen on any x-rays that are taken, and this will help the doctor to better understand your condition.
What Should You Expect During Recovery?
While the act of preparing you for the procedure and taking the x-rays will likely be able to be completed in a relatively short time, you should be aware that there may be several hours before you are able to leave the doctor's office. In order to allow the blood vessel to properly heal, you will need to lay on your back with your feet elevated for several hours. In addition to allowing for the damaged blood vessel to heal, this will also give the anesthetics a chance to wear off.
This recovery time may not be something that you want to go through, but it is necessary to ensure that you avoid complications or injuries stemming from the incision or the use of anesthetics. Fortunately, most vascular radiology professionals have a recovery area where you will be able to be as comfortable as possible during this time.
When you are needing to have a vascular radiology procedure performed, it is important for you to be as informed as possible about this type of procedure. Having a thorough understanding that this procedure will not be particularly painful or uncomfortable and that there will be a recovery time following it, will allow you to make more informed decisions and plans for the day you undergo this procedure.
