ASPIRATION
WHAT IS ASPIRATION?
Aspiration is the image-guided puncture of a cystic lesion (such as a cyst, an abscess or bruising) or solid lesion (a growth) in order to remove a fluid or tissue sample with a suction needle. The hollow aspiration needles come in different sizes and lengths.
ULTRASOUND OR CT GUIDED ASPIRATION OF ABCESS OR FLUID COLLECTIONS
Why perform it?
You may be recommended to have an aspiration procedure for diagnostic reasons (to provide information on the nature of the lesion) or for therapeutic purposes, such as removal of the fluid collection or cyst. Aspiration is sometimes preferred over drainage of small abscesses (less than 3-4 cm) for which a drainage catheter would be unsuitable.
Aspiration may not be the best option for you if you have a blood clotting disorder or there is no safe access route.
The technical success rate of this procedure is very high, though the clinical success rate can vary depending on the location and nature of the lesion, as well as whether the aspiration procedure is diagnostic or therapeutic.
Benefits of IR guided procedures
31. Rapid relief from symptoms.
32. The imaging techniques allow accurate diagnosis and treatment using cutting-edge equipment. Diagnosis is reconfirmed during procedure.
33. Minimally invasive procedures are performed through a small hole in the skin, minimising the patient’s discomfort and recovery time. There won’t be any scar.
34. Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay. As interventional procedures tend to require only local anaesthesia, hospital stays are very short, with patients frequently going home the day the procedure is performed.
35. Patients who undergo IR procedures experience less pain during and after the procedure than patients undergoing surgical procedures. Post-procedural care is provided, along with follow-up imaging to confirm if the treatment has been successful.
36. Minimal damage to surrounding vital anatomical structures with no significant structural weakness.
37. No or negligible blood loss. No requirement of blood transfusion.
38. Return to work and other normal activities usually within the first few days after the procedure.
39. Low risk compared to surgery. The techniques can be used in very sick patients who are unfit for surgery.
40. Overall procedure is less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.
How will you prepare for procedure:
Procedure will be done as a day case procedure, only rarely would you need to stay overnight.
• You will have had some blood tests performed before the procedure to check that you do not have an increased risk of bleeding.
• You are asked not to eat for 4 hours prior to the procedure. You may drink a little water.
• You will need someone to drive you home and to look after you for 24 hours.
• You should be prepared to stay overnight if necessary.
• If you have any allergies or you have previously reacted to intravenous contrast medium, you must let the doctor know. Intravenous contrast medium is the injection we give you during some scans.
• If you are diabetic, please contact IR coordinator at 0328 0177770 for further information
• If you normally take any medication to thin your blood (anticoagulation or antiplatelet drugs) such as: warfarin / clopidogrel / aspirin, dabigatran (Pradaxa) / rivaroxiban (Xarelto) / Apixaban (Eliquis) / phendione / acenocoumarol – then these may need to be stopped or altered. Please contact the contact IR coordinator at 0328 0177770 for further information
How long will it take?
Every case is different, and it is difficult to predict exact time it will take. Procedure will be carried out in image guidance and roughly takes an hour or so.
What Happens afterwards?
You will be observed in a post operative facility for 2 to 4 hrs and if all observations are satisfactory, you will be discharged home the same day. It is natural to feel tired after the procedure and a light bed rest for a couple of days is recommended.
