Interventional Radiology
Preparing for Interventional Procedures

If conscious / IV sedation is required to complete the procedure, pre-procedure diet instructions vary by the patient's age.

Adult patients:

• Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to procedure.

Children 2 years of age and older:

• Do not eat for 8 hours prior to procedure. Drinking clear liquids is okay up to 3 hours prior to procedure.

Children between age 6 weeks and 2 years:

• Do not eat for 6 hours prior to procedure. Drinking clear liquids is okay up to 3 hours prior to procedure.

Children under 6 weeks and premature newborns:

• Call the hospital department for special instructions.
  
  
• Morning appointments are recommended.
  
  
• Small sips of water taken with usual medications are okay.

Return to top

To avoid delay or rescheduling of a procedure:

• Let a technologist know if you have had previous contrast reactions / allergies.
  
  
• Patient should consult with their physician about when to stop Coumadin prior to procedure.
  
  
• Most interventional procedures require laboratory work and placement of an IV in a hand or arm prior to procedure for the administration of fluids and other medications (most frequently antibiotics and / or sedatives) during the procedure.
  
  
• The length of time involved in interventional procedures varies. Patients, who receive pain medication or sedation, should plan for a 6 to 8 hour hospital stay. Occasionally, patients are kept overnight. Such patients must arrange for transportation home.

Return to top

After interventional radiology procedures:

All patients are advised to increase their fluid intake to flush the contrast from their system.

Patients with diabetes, who are currently taking Glucophage or Metformin, are strongly advised to stop taking these medications for 24 to 48 hours following interventional procedures where contrast materials are administered. Increase of fluid intake to flush contrast from the body is especially important for diabetic patients. Drinking 5 to 6, eight-ounce glasses each day for 2 days is strongly recommended. Diabetic patients should restart medications when normal renal function is assured by renal function test.

For more information about unique preparations and post procedural care, see About My Interventional Procedure. If you have further questions please contact the hospital department where your procedure is scheduled and ask to speak to a technologist or RN (registered nurse) in radiology special procedures.

Return to top