Drainage Procedures for collections

Treating Infections and Fluid Collections with Image-Guided Drainage

Infections or fluid collections inside the body can develop due to surgery, injury, gallbladder or pancreatic issues, or severe infections. These collections often cause pain, fever, swelling, and discomfort, and if left untreated, they can spread and lead to serious life threatening complications. Image-guided drainage offers a safe and minimally invasive way to remove these collections and help the body heal faster.
Drainage procedures are performed using ultrasound or CT guidance to locate the exact position of the collection. Through a tiny puncture in the skin, a fine needle is inserted and a small tube called a catheter is placed inside the collection. This tube allows the infected fluid to drain out safely over a few days. The process relieves pressure, reduces pain, and helps control the infection more effectively than medicines alone.
These procedures can treat many types of collections including liver abscesses, pancreatic fluid collections, kidney abscesses, postoperative collections, and deep pelvic or abdominal abscesses. Because the treatment is highly targeted, only the problem area is addressed while surrounding organs remain safe. Most patients require only local anaesthesia, and the discomfort during the procedure is minimal.
Recovery after drainage is usually quick. Patients often feel relief within hours as the pressure reduces. The drainage tube remains in place for a short period, depending on the size and nature of the collection. During this time, the patient can walk, eat normally, and carry on with gentle activities. Once the infection clears and the cavity collapses, the tube is removed in a simple outpatient visit.
If you have persistent fever, abdominal pain, swelling, or symptoms that are not improving with antibiotics, meet an interventional radiologist who can image as well as provide treatment. Image-guided drainage can prevent complications, speed up recovery, and avoid the need for major surgery. This minimally invasive approach helps patients return to comfort and normal routines safely and efficiently.

Uterine fibroids are common benign growths in the uterus that can cause a wide range of symptoms — from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain to bloating and pressure on the bladder or bowel. Many women are told surgery is the only answer, but that’s not always the case. Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a safe, effective, and uterus-preserving option that treats fibroids without the need for hysterectomy or myomectomy.

This procedure is performed through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist. Using real-time imaging, a thin catheter is guided into the uterine arteries that supply the fibroids. Once in position, small particles are delivered to block blood flow to the fibroids. Without a blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink, and symptoms begin to improve in the weeks and months that follow.

UFE is ideal for women who wish to avoid major surgery, retain their uterus, or need a faster recovery. It can also be considered for patients who are not suitable for surgery due to medical conditions or personal preferences. Most procedures are done under local anaesthesia with sedation, and patients usually return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Compared to surgical options, UFE involves less pain, fewer complications, and a significantly shorter recovery period.

Patients often report a noticeable improvement in symptoms within the first two to three menstrual cycles. The fibroids continue to shrink over time, and in most cases, the results are long-lasting. UFE does not involve any surgical cuts or stitches, and the uterus remains structurally intact. While fertility after UFE is possible, it is a topic best discussed during consultation, based on individual goals and medical factors.

If you’ve been advised to undergo surgery for fibroids, or are seeking a second opinion, UFE may offer the clarity and comfort you’re looking for. With the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that prioritises both your health and your preferences.

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