Image Guided Cervical Nerve Root Sleeve Corticosteroid Injection
What are the generally accepted indications for a cervical nerve root sleeve injection? Cervical radiculopathy from disc protrusion or degenerative…
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Full blood examination and clotting profile (INR & APPT) are required for all patients. Thyroid function testing may be indicated and should be discussed with the radiologist. Pregnancy test should be performed in all women of reproductive age. Any relevant previous imaging tests should be available at the time of the first consultation. As a minimum there should be a recent MRI or CT. Other preliminary tests such as angiogram should be discussed with the interventional neuroradiologist.
The patient should have a preliminary consent discussion with the referring doctor (if the referrer is also the treating surgeon) regarding the condition in general and all of the treatment options. If the referrer is not the treating surgeon, then the patient should be referred to one.
A letter or request for the embolisation procedure is required by the radiologist. Relevant clinical details of the patient including pre-existing significant medical and surgical conditions should be provided to the interventional neuroradiologist.
The treating surgeon and the interventional neuroradiologist need to discuss the case before an appointment for embolisation can be made.
Patients taking warfarin should be converted to heparin prior to the procedure. Heparin needs to be ceased for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
Very large body habitus well beyond the weight limit of the angiographic table. This depends on the machine but generally from 120kg to 200kg. Consult with radiologist.
Large amounts of metallic hardware within the body area containing the tumour can totally obscure X-ray penetration and may make the procedure impossible.
Please consult with the radiologist regarding the above.
Relative or absolute contraindications to iodinated contrast.
Any severe blood bleeding disorders need to have temporary control of the abnormal clotting profile. Consult haematology.
The risks and adverse effects include:
Open surgery without embolisation.
Page last modified on 26/7/2017.
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RANZCR® intends by this statement to exclude liability for any such opinions, advices or information. The content of this publication is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. It is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and his/her doctor. Some of the tests and procedures included in this publication may not be available at all radiology providers.
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