Interventional nephrology procedures are ideal for patients who need minimally invasive treatments for kidney-related issues without the risks and long recovery times associated with traditional surgery. These procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis, require only local anesthesia or sedation, and have quick recovery times. They provide patients with a less painful, more effective option for managing conditions like renal artery stenosis, dialysis access problems, and kidney tumors, while preserving kidney function and improving overall health.

• Minimally Invasive: Most procedures are performed through small punctures or incisions, leading to less trauma compared to traditional surgery.
• Faster Recovery: Patients can typically return to their daily activities much sooner than with open surgery, often within a few days.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Minimally invasive procedures tend to have fewer complications, such as infections, bleeding, or scarring.
• Preservation of Kidney Function: For conditions like renal artery stenosis or kidney tumors, interventions help preserve kidney function and avoid the need for dialysis or kidney removal.
• Reduced Pain: Local anesthesia or sedation is used, ensuring the patient feels minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
• Outpatient Treatment: Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day, eliminating the need for prolonged hospital stays.
• Improved Quality of Life: For patients with chronic kidney disease or dialysis access issues, these procedures can improve overall kidney function, reduce symptoms, and prevent the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.

A needle is inserted through the skin into the kidney under ultrasound or CT guidance to remove a small tissue sample. This is typically done to diagnose kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome.

For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), an interventional radiologist can create a dialysis access site by placing a fistula or graft. This involves connecting an artery and a vein in the arm or leg to facilitate hemodialysis. The procedure is done with minimal incisions and guided by imaging techniques for precision.

Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the renal arteries) is a common cause of hypertension and kidney failure. In this procedure, a balloon catheter is inserted through the skin into the affected renal artery, and the artery is dilated to improve blood flow. In some cases, a stent is placed to keep the artery open.

These procedures are used to treat kidney cancer or benign kidney tumors by destroying the tumor with heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation). A probe is inserted through the skin and guided by imaging to target and treat the tumor with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

A nephrostomy tube is inserted directly into the kidney to drain urine in cases where the urinary tract is blocked, such as in kidney stones or urinary tract obstruction. This procedure is done under ultrasound or CT guidance to ensure accurate placement of the tube.

In certain cases, such as uncontrolled bleeding or tumor management, the renal arteries can be selectively blocked (embolized) to stop blood flow to a specific area. This procedure can also be used to treat renal artery aneurysms or vascular malformations.

• Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those who have renal artery stenosis or need dialysis access.
• Individuals who need a kidney biopsy to diagnose underlying kidney conditions.
• Patients with kidney tumors who prefer minimally invasive treatments over surgery.
• People who experience urinary tract obstructions or need nephrostomy tubes to drain the kidneys.