Answers to the questions patients ask most often before a procedure.
It depends on the type of anaesthesia. For a procedure under simple local anaesthesia, fasting is usually not required. For sedation or a general anaesthetic, six hours of fasting is normally requested. The precise instructions given at your consultation are the ones that apply.
Always mention these medicines at your consultation. Depending on the procedure they may be continued, paused or bridged — but never stop a treatment on your own initiative: the plan is agreed with you by the team, together with your own doctor.
After sedation or a general anaesthetic, driving is not allowed for 24 hours and someone must accompany you home. For procedures under simple local anaesthesia, going home alone is usually possible — the team will confirm this with you.
Report any known allergy (contrast media, medicines, latex and so on) at the consultation. A genuine allergy to contrast media does not necessarily rule out the procedure: alternatives or a specific preparation can be arranged.
Most of our procedures use X-rays. Tell us about any current or possible pregnancy: the procedure can be adapted, postponed or performed with particular precautions depending on the urgency and the indication.
Procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia depending on their nature. The team stays with you throughout and adjusts pain relief as needed. Moderate pain can occur afterwards: a pain-relief protocol is in place.
A report is written at the end of the procedure and sent to the doctor who referred you and to your GP. The radiologist explains how it went and the immediate findings before you leave. For samples (biopsies), laboratory results usually take several days.
Your appointment letter, your health insurance card and photo ID, your current prescriptions, your recent imaging and blood tests, and a list of your allergies. Wear comfortable clothing.