Preparing for Your Procedure
Preparing properly for an interventional radiology procedure can help your treatment run smoothly and support a safe recovery. The instructions you need will depend on the procedure you are having, the type of anaesthesia or sedation required, your medications and your general health. Dr Ryan McConnell and the treating hospital or clinic will provide specific instructions before your procedure. The information below provides general guidance on what to expect and how to prepare.
Already booked for a procedure? Please follow the specific instructions provided to you by Dr McConnell, his rooms and the treating hospital. These instructions take priority over the general information on this page.
Before Your Procedure
Once your procedure has been scheduled, you will usually receive information about:
- where and when to attend
- whether you need to fast
- which medications you should take or temporarily stop
- whether blood tests or other investigations are required
- whether you will need sedation or general anaesthesia
- how long you should expect to remain at the hospital or clinic
- whether you will need someone to take you home afterwards.
Please follow any procedure-specific instructions provided by Dr McConnell, his rooms or the hospital, as these take priority over the general information on this page.
Your Medications
Please provide an up-to-date list of all medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Some medications may need to be adjusted before a procedure.
Blood Thinning Medication
If you take blood-thinning medication such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, please make sure Dr McConnell and the treating hospital are aware.
Do not stop blood-thinning medication unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.
Whether a medication needs to be withheld depends on the procedure being performed, the reason you take the medication and your individual risk of bleeding or clotting.
Diabetes Medication
If you take insulin or other medication for diabetes, your usual routine may need to be adjusted if fasting is required. You will be given specific instructions where necessary.Fasting Before Your Procedure
Some interventional radiology procedures are performed using local anaesthetic alone, while others may involve sedation or general anaesthesia. If sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, you may need to fast beforehand. Your hospital or treatment team will tell you:
- when to stop eating
- when to stop drinking
- whether you may take your usual medications with a small amount of water.
Please follow these instructions carefully. If you are unsure whether you need to fast, contact the rooms before your procedure.
Blood Tests and Imaging
Depending on your procedure, you may require blood tests beforehand. These may include assessment of:
- kidney function
- blood count
- blood clotting.
Allergies and Previous Reactions
Please tell Dr McConnell and the hospital team if you have:
- any medication allergies
- previously had a reaction to X-ray contrast
- an allergy to dressings, adhesives or antiseptic preparations
- previously experienced problems with sedation or anaesthesia.
If You Are Pregnant or Could Be Pregnant
Many interventional radiology procedures use X-ray imaging. Please tell Dr McConnell and the treating team if you are pregnant or there is a possibility that you could be pregnant. This does not necessarily mean a procedure cannot proceed, but the potential benefits and risks need to be considered carefully.
If You Become Unwell Before Your Procedure
Please contact the rooms or hospital if you develop a significant illness before your procedure, particularly:
- fever
- respiratory infection
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- a new infection requiring antibiotics
- a significant change in your medical condition.
What to Bring
On the day of your procedure, it is helpful to bring:
- your referral if this has not already been provided
- Medicare card
- private health insurance details, where applicable
- a current medication list
- details of allergies
- relevant imaging or reports if requested
- any forms provided by the hospital
- comfortable clothing for your trip home.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing where possible. Depending on the procedure, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. For some treatments, you may also be asked to bring a compression garment or compression stockings. If these are required, you will be advised before your procedure.
Arranging Transport Home
If you are receiving sedation or general anaesthesia, you will generally not be able to drive yourself home. You may need to arrange for a responsible adult to:
- collect you from hospital
- take you home
- remain available to assist you for a period after your procedure.
You should also avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol or making important decisions for the period advised by your treating team following sedation or anaesthesia.
Your discharge instructions will confirm when you can safely return to normal activities.
What Happens on the Day
Although the exact process varies between procedures and hospitals, your day will usually involve:
1
Admission
You will check in with the hospital or clinic and complete the usual admission process.
2
Pre Procedure Assessment
A nurse and/or anaesthetic team may review your medical history, medications, allergies and fasting status.
3
Discussion With Dr McConnell
Before treatment, Dr McConnell will review the procedure with you and provide an opportunity to ask any final questions. Consent will be confirmed before proceeding.
4
Your Procedure
The procedure will be performed using image guidance such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT or a combination of these techniques. The type of anaesthesia used will depend on the procedure and may include local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthesia.
5
Recovery
After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area. Depending on the procedure, you may go home later that day or stay in hospital overnight.Preparing for Your Recovery at Home
It can also be helpful to prepare for the first day or two after your procedure before coming to hospital. Depending on your treatment, consider:
- arranging help with children or household responsibilities
- having simple meals prepared
- obtaining any prescribed medications beforehand
- planning time away from work
- avoiding strenuous exercise until advised that it is safe to resume.
Procedure Specific Instructions
Preparation requirements differ considerably between procedures. You may receive additional instructions if you are undergoing treatments such as:
- Prostate Artery Embolisation
- Uterine Fibroid Embolisation
- Varicocele Embolisation
- Pelvic Vein Embolisation
- other image-guided interventional radiology procedures.
Varicose vein treatment is provided through Vein Doctors Sydney, who will give you preparation instructions for that treatment.
Always follow the specific instructions provided to you by Dr McConnell and the treating hospital.
Questions Before Your Procedure
If you are uncertain about fasting, medications, admission arrangements or any other aspect of your procedure, please contact Dr Ryan McConnell’s rooms before the day of treatment. It is always better to clarify instructions in advance rather than make changes to medications or preparation yourself.