Liver and Kidney Health

Clinical Services: Interventional Radiology

Upper East Side
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065

Get Directions

Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

Upper East Side
1283 York Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10065

Get Directions

Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

Upper West Side
2315 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10024

Get Directions

Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

The liver is an organ located below the diaphragm that helps your body digest food and filter out toxic substances. The liver can become infected, develop autoimmune diseases or cancer.

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the abdomen, on either side of the spine, that filter your blood. This system is often called the “renal system.” The kidneys can develop conditions that prevent it from functioning well, as well as cancer.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our interventional radiologists are highly experienced and passionate about helping patients with all types of liver and kidney conditions lead healthier, more functional and active lives. Our minimally invasive procedures help detect conditions early, as well as provide effective therapies to improve health.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?

National leader in screening and early detection of liver and kidney conditions: Our highly trained interventional radiologists are the first in the region to be able to offer care that encompasses screening, diagnosis, treatment and recovery care. All procedures are performed with leading diagnostic and medical imaging technology, which enhances visualization of the body and promotes better outcomes.

Compassionate, individualized care: Our physicians offer personalized care, tailoring your treatment to your medical history, lifestyle and wellness goals. We prioritize improving your liver and kidney function as healthfully as possible.

We are especially skilled in minimally invasive procedures, which eliminate the need for open surgery and allow for shorter and less painful recovery times. As a patient, you will receive around-the-clock coverage, as well as access to in-person, video or phone consultations. We strive to get our patients in quickly with minimal wait time.

Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: Weill Cornell Medicine is a leader in the field of interventional radiology, with a long tradition of expertise, innovation and leadership.

When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists. Often, we work as part of a team of specialists, which may include radiologists, urologists, gynecologists, vascular medicine and oncologists. This ensures that you receive the most expert and comprehensive treatment possible.

Weill Cornell Medicine also partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.

Conditions We Treat

Our team helps screen for, diagnose and treat the full range of liver and kidney conditions, including:

● Chronic kidney failure

● Kidney (renal) cancers

● Kidney stones or obstructions

● Liver cancer

● Chronic liver disease

Kidney and Liver Treatments by Leading Interventional Radiology Experts

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our team offers the most advanced and comprehensive interventional radiology treatments available to improve kidney and liver health.

Renal (kidney) or liver mass biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. A pathologist examines the tissue to identify the type of cell involved in the kidney or liver cancer, which is important in planning treatment.

Kidney or liver cancer ablation: Ablation uses extreme temperatures to destroy the tumor. With the help of imaging, a thin probe is placed through the skin and into the tumor to deliver very cold gases or high-energy radio waves.

Renal mass or liver tumor embolization: A renal mass (kidney tumor) needs blood to grow. Embolization is a procedure that blocks the blood supply to the kidney tumor to help shrink it. During this procedure, interventional radiologists use a small catheter to identify the artery supplying blood to the tumor. This catheter is then used to block the blood supply, shrinking the tumor and improving symptoms.

Endoscopic therapies to promote healthier drainage: There are many possible procedures to improve how the liver drains. Using a long, thin tube (endoscope) that is inserted in the groin and guided to the liver, your interventional radiologist may remove blockages or place a stent to improve drainage.

A stent is a small, expandable device that can be implanted into the body to hold tissue in place, keep a vessel open or support a weakened area of the body. Stents may be temporary or permanent, depending on your specific condition.

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion.

Meet Our Physicians

The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Interventional Radiology offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.

Our Doctors

FAQ

Will I receive anesthesia or sedation for my procedure?

Interventional radiology procedures generally do not receive general anesthesia. Instead, your care team will generally numb the incision area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, an intravenous (IV) line will deliver sedation, which will make you more comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Some patients fall asleep during the procedure.

Your sedation level will depend on your specific procedure, age and medical condition:

● Minimal sedation: You will be drowsy but able to talk.

● Moderate sedation: You may fall asleep and be unaware of your surroundings for some of the procedure.

● Deep sedation: You will be asleep but will breathe on your own. You will have very little memory of the procedure.

Will I need to spend the night in the hospital afterward?

Most procedures require a minimum recovery of four hours in our care (this is called an “outpatient procedure”). For other interventional radiology procedures, you may need to stay one night in the hospital before being discharged. Your care team will inform you of your expected recovery time prior to your procedure.

You will not be able to drive after your procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone else to accompany you to your procedure and take you home.

How long will the procedure take?

The length of time varies by procedure. Most interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive procedures, which offer several benefits:

● Shorter procedures than traditional surgery

● Less exposure to anesthesia

● Smaller incisions

● Quicker recovery after the procedures

Who is in the room during the procedure?

Most procedures require three healthcare professionals:

● Interventional Radiologist (MD)

● Radiology nurse

● X-Ray technologist

● On occasion, a medical student and/or resident may be present

How should I prepare for my procedure?

● Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure

● Blood work is required prior to most procedures

● Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure

● Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure

● Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital

● Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours

● Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure

● Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure

● You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home

● Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery for the remainder of that day after the procedure

Can I eat or drink on the day of the procedure?

You will receive instruction when scheduling the procedure and one to two days before the procedure that explains your medication and food restrictions. Our standard protocol when anticipating sedation is to not to eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure. You may have clear fluids (such as water) up to two hours before. If you eat anything less than eight hours, your procedure may be cancelled.

What if I have an allergy to contrast?

If you have a contrast allergy, there are medications that can be prescribed for you to take prior to your procedure to help protect you against your allergy. These medications can help block your body’s response to an allergen.

Will my procedure be painful/uncomfortable?

Because interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive, the pain is much less than with traditional surgery. However, it is possible to experience minimal pain at the insertion site. Our care team will be sure to help manage your pain so that you feel as comfortable as possible.

How can I schedule my procedure?

Our office has a team of schedulers that can assist you in scheduling your procedure. The schedulers can be reached at (646) 962-5757.

Is radiation safe?

While radiation does have safety concerns, your interventional radiologist will be specially trained in the safe use of radiation and on how to minimize the risks associated. Interventional radiologists use federal guidelines on the recommended safe doses to use during specific treatments.