ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTION

Transcription

1 ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTION Information Leaflet Your Health. Our Priority.

2 Page 2 of 5 Introduction This leaflet tells you about the procedure known as ultrasound guided injection. It explains what is involved in the procedure including the possible risks. It is not meant to replace informed discussion between you and your doctor, but can act as a starting point for such a discussion. If you are having the injection done as a pre-planned procedure, then you should have plenty of time to discuss the situation with your Consultant and the Radiologist who will be doing it, and perhaps even your own GP. What is an ultrasound guided injection? It is a radiological procedure where an ultrasound machine is used to guide a needle through the skin into the affected area so a small amount of medication (steroid or local anaesthetic) can be injected, in order to reduce the pain that you have been suffering. Why do I need an ultrasound guided injection? Other tests that you probably have had done, such as an ultrasound scan, MR or a CT scan, will have shown that you have a condition suitable for injection of steroid through a small needle. Who has made the decision? The Consultant in charge of your case, and the Radiologist doing the injection will have discussed the situation, and feel that this is the best treatment option for you. However, you will also have the opportunity for your opinion to be taken into account, and if, after discussion with your doctors, you do not want the procedure carried out, then you can decide against it. Who will be doing the injection? A specially trained doctor called a Radiologist. Radiologists have special expertise in using x- ray and scanning equipment, and also in interpreting the images produced. They need to look at these images while carrying out the procedure. Where will the procedure take place? Generally in the x-ray department, in a special "screening" room, which is adapted for specialised procedures. If it is necessary to use the CT scanner to guide the injection, then it will be done in the CT scanning room. How do I prepare for the injection? There is no preparation before you come to the Radiology Department. You may bring someone with you if you would prefer, but they will have to wait in the waiting area while you have your examination. If you have any allergies you must let your doctor know (If you have previously reacted to intravenous contrast medium, the dye used for CT scanning, you must also tell your doctor about this).

3 Page 3 of 5 If you are taking Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel or any other anticoagulant please contact the department, as they might have to be stopped few days before the procedure. What actually happens during the injection? You will be welcomed into the screening room and you will be introduced to the Radiology Nurse and the Radiologist who will explain the procedure to you. You will be able to ask any questions. You will lie on the x-ray or scanning table, in the position that the Radiologist has decided is most suitable. The Radiologist will keep everything as sterile as possible. Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic, and then the area to be injected will be covered with a theatre towel. The Radiologist will use the ultrasound machine to decide on the most suitable point for inserting the needle. Your skin will be numbed with local anaesthetic. At this point the Radiologist will inject the steroids or local anaesthetic into the affected area and then the needle will be removed. Will it hurt? Unfortunately, it may hurt a little, for a very short period of time, but any pain you have should be controlled with painkillers. When the local anaesthetic is injected, it will sting to start with, but this soon wears off, the skin and deeper tissues should then feel numb.there will be a nurse, or another member of clinical staff, standing next to you and looking after you. If the procedure does become painful for you please let them know. How long will it take? Every patient's situation is different, and it is not always easy to say how complicated or how straightforward the procedure will be. It may be over in 10 minutes, or very occasionally it may take longer than 20 minutes. As a guide, expect to be in the X-Ray Department for about 30 minutes. What happens afterwards? You will be able to leave the department as soon as the injection is finished. Please do not drive for 24 hours after the injection. In the days following the procedure, if the area around the injection becomes swollen, more painful or difficult to move or the skin becomes reddened, you may need to go to your GP or the Emergency Department to make sure there are no signs of infection. Are there any risks or complications? Ultrasound guided injection is a very safe procedure, and there are very few risks or complications that can arise. There is a possibility of bruising or infection. These complications will be explained to you at the time of consent.

4 Page 4 of 5 Are there any alternatives? You may choose not to have the procedure done. Unfortunately, there is no alternatives to steroid injection although sometimes oral medication may help to improve the pain. Oral medication does not always work and your Consultant may have already tried this without success. What are the benefits? By injecting steroids or local anaesthetic into the affected area, you will notice an improvement on the pain that you have been suffering. Finally Some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you. Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information before you go ahead with the procedure. Contact us Interventional Radiology Department of Radiology, X-Ray B

5 Page 5 of 5 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk. Our smoke free policy Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises' to find out more. Leaflet number RAD94 Publication date April 2016 Review date April 2018 Department Interventional Radiology, X-Ray B Location Stepping Hill Hospital