Image guided procedures
| Waratah
Clarity provides the following Image Guided Procedures:
Click Here to view a downloadable Information Sheet for your Image Guided Injection.
Image Guided Steroid Injection
An image guided steroid injection uses CT or Ultrasound to accurately guide the needle to the source of pain and provide pain relief.
The injections have both a local anaesthetic, which acts to numb the area for a few hours after the injection, and corticosteroid which helps to settle down the inflammation and provide pain relief.
The area is cleaned with antiseptic cleaning fluid and a small amount of local anaesthetic may be given if appropriate. A needle will then be guided into the appropriate site with the assistance of either Ultrasound or CT. When the needle is at the correct position the injection will be given.
The local anaesthetic may give some immediate relief from pain and lasts for about 2-3 hours. After the local anaesthetic has worn off, the pain may return and may even be slightly worse for a day or so. Normal pain medication may be taken if required. The steroids usually take from 1-7 days to take effect. It is advised to avoid aggravating the site of pain for a few days following the injection to maximise the therapeutic effect.
Significant complications from this procedure are very rare. If there is increasing pain and tenderness, or redness at the site of injection after 2-3 days, you should see your doctor or go to the emergency department as there may be an infection.
If you are diabetic your blood sugar may be raised for 2-3 days following the injection. These should be monitored carefully during this time.
Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
Ultrasound will be used to guide a thin needle into the area of concern. This process will be repeated at least twice until sufficient cells are collected for analysis. A cytologist will be present to confirm that adequate samples have been obtained.
If necessary, you may be asked to change into a gown. Once lying comfortably on the bed, the area will be cleaned with antiseptic cleaning fluid to prevent infection. A small amount of local anaesthetic may be given. Using an ultrasound machine to guide, a small sample will be taken using a thin needle.
It is important to let staff know beforehand if you are on blood thinners such as Warfarin.
The main, but rare risks are infection and significant bleeding. You may experience slight discomfort at the site of the biopsy for a few hours afterwards which can be treated with pain medication.
The biopsy samples are sent away to a pathology lab to be examined which usually takes between 2 and 3 working days. The pathologist will then send the report directly to your doctor, after which you should arrange to see your doctor to review these results.
It is important that the area to be biopsied has been assessed with recent imaging.
Our reception staff will request a copy of these results prior to booking your biopsy appointment. Please bring any previous imaging with you when you attend the procedure.
