Interventional Hepatology

Advanced Minimally Invasive Liver Treatments by Dr. Santhosh R

What Is Interventional Hepatology?

Interventional Hepatology is a specialized branch of liver care that utilizes image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat complex liver diseases. Instead of traditional open surgery, these procedures use ultrasound, CT, and catheter-based techniques to treat conditions such as liver cancer, cirrhosis-related complications, and liver abscesses.

Dr. Santhosh R combines cutting-edge interventional tools with compassionate care to deliver safer, faster, and highly effective liver treatments often performed as daycare or short-stay procedures.

Key Interventional Hepatology Procedures

1. TACE (Trans-Arterial Chemoembolisation) for Liver Cancers

TACE is a targeted treatment for primary and metastatic liver cancers.

During this minimally invasive procedure, chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the blood vessel feeding the tumor, followed by tiny embolic particles that block the vessel to cut off the tumor’s blood supply.

Benefits of TACE:

• Targeted chemotherapy minimizes systemic side effects
• Reduces or controls tumor growth effectively
• Performed via catheterization; no open surgery required
• Often done as a daycare procedure under local anesthesia
• Helps improve survival rates and quality of life
• Can be repeated safely for recurrent or residual tumors

2. Microwave / Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Liver Tumors

For patients with small or inoperable liver tumors, Microwave or Radiofrequency Ablation offers a curative option without major surgery.

Under ultrasound or CT guidance, thin probes are inserted into the tumor. The probe emits heat energy that destroys cancer cells with high precision while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Benefits of Ablation:

• Minimally invasive and performed under sedation or local anesthesia
• Quick recovery with minimal hospital stay
• Suitable for patients not fit for major surgery
• Excellent local tumor control with very low complication rates
• Can be repeated for multiple small lesions
• Often combined with TACE for improved tumor response

3. TIPSS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)

Patients with advanced cirrhosis may experience complications such as variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, or portal hypertension.

The TIPSS procedure involves creating a channel between the portal vein and hepatic vein using a stent, thereby reducing the high pressure within the portal system.

Benefits of TIPSS:

• Life-saving for uncontrolled variceal bleeding
• Reduces ascites resistant to medication
• Improves blood flow dynamics and liver perfusion
• Minimally invasive, performed via the neck vein (jugular route)
• Immediate relief of portal pressure-related symptoms
• Enhances the overall quality of life in cirrhotic patients

4. USG / CT-Guided Drainage of Liver Abscess

A liver abscess is a collection of pus within the liver, often due to bacterial or amoebic infection. Instead of open surgical drainage, most abscesses today can be treated safely by image-guided catheter drainage.

Under ultrasound or CT guidance, a thin tube is placed into the abscess cavity to drain the infected fluid.

Benefits of Image-Guided Drainage:

• Less invasive than traditional surgery
• Provides rapid relief from pain, fever, and discomfort
• Shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily life
• Allows accurate placement of catheters under real-time imaging
• Can be done under local anesthesia or light sedation
• Minimizes scarring and post-procedure complications

Other Commonly Performed Interventional Hepatology Procedures

• Percutaneous Liver Biopsy: for diagnosis of liver fibrosis, hepatitis, and tumors
• Biliary Drainage and Stenting: for obstructive jaundice or bile duct strictures
• Portal Vein Embolization (PVE): to prepare patients for major liver surgery
• Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC): to visualize and treat bile duct obstructions
• Variceal Embolization: for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension

Why Choose Dr. Santhosh R for Interventional Hepatology?

• Expertise in Advanced Liver Interventions – Specialized in TACE, TIPSS, Ablation, and image-guided procedures
• State-of-the-Art Imaging and Technology – For precision diagnosis and safer outcomes
• Personalized, Patient-Centric Care – Every procedure is tailored to the individual liver condition and general health
• Faster Recovery & Less Discomfort – Minimally invasive techniques mean fewer complications and shorter hospital stays
• Integrated Multidisciplinary Care – Collaboration with hepatologists, oncologists, and radiologists for holistic treatment
• Proven Results & Compassionate Support – Focused on improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life

Advanced Liver Care, Close to You

Modern liver treatments no longer always require open surgery. With Interventional Hepatology, patients can benefit from precise, image-guided therapies that reduce pain, speed recovery, and deliver excellent long-term results. If you are living with liver cancer, cirrhosis, bile duct blockage, or liver abscess, consult Dr. Santhosh R to explore safe and effective minimally invasive options.

Book your consultation today to learn more about personalized liver care solutions.