A Pictorial Review of Procedures in Paediatric Interventional Uroradiology

Background: Broadly divided into vascular and non-vascular interventions, these minimally invasive procedures can be used to manage many presentations of conditions of the renal tract. In recent years there has been a focus on development of new techniques and refinement of procedures adopted from adult practice. Paediatric IR is a fast developing field, and in Leeds it is playing an increasingly significant role in the management of renal tract conditions due to its safety and efficacy, and its potential to decrease length of hospital stay.

Objective: This pictorial review aims to outline the range of paediatric interventional uroradiology procedures.

Materials: The paediatric nephrology team at Leeds Children’s Hospital provide a comprehensive range of tertiary paediatric nephrology services including dialysis and transplantation for patients from across the region. The paediatric surgical department is one of the most sub-specialised units in the UK and operates a dedicated paediatric urology service. A multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, nephrologists and interventional radiologists is central to the provision of paediatric interventional uroradiology services.

Results: Vascular interventions include embolisation, renal artery angioplasty/stenting and vascular access. Non-vascular interventions include renal biopsy, tumour biopsy, nephrostomy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteric stent insertion, percutaneous peritoneal dialysis and suprapubic catheter placement, and radiofrequency ablation of renal cancers.

Conclusion: This pictorial review of paediatric uroradiological procedures will outline the minimally invasive treatment options for many conditions affecting the renal tract, and provide an overview of how these are performed in our specialist centre.