Search

Image-guided percutaneous drainage of abdominal collections and image-guided percutaneous biopsy of abdominal masses are two of the most common procedures performed by interventional radiologists. These procedures have almost entirely replaced surgical methods due to their minimally invasive nature and high rate of success. Percutaneous drainage is a very effective treatment for various types of collections, and percutaneous biopsies are a vital step in the diagnosis of several malignant and benign diseases. Effectiveness in performing either procedure requires technical skills, image interpretation skills, and strong clinical skills. The following sections will provide an overview of these two ubiquitous procedures.

Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy is a minimally invasive means of accessing the stomach for the purposes of enteral feeding or decompression. In this chapter, we discuss the various methods of percutaneous access of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy (transgastric jejunostomy), and direct jejunostomy. The indications, contraindications, technical characteristics, patient preparation prior to the procedure, and possible adverse events associated with these procedures are discussed. The relevant background literature and the advantages of radiologic gastrostomy are also detailed in the chapter.

Histologically, the prostate is comprised of a network of branched tubuloalveolar glands that are surrounded by a richly innervated, well-vascularized fibromuscular stroma. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is often referred to as the most common benign neoplasm in the aging male. It is a distinct histopathologic entity that is characterized by cellular proliferation of both components of the prostate: the glandular and stromal elements. From a clinical standpoint, this may be associated with age-dependent, bothersome, and progressive voiding symptoms.