The contribution of radiological investigations in oesophago-gastric
disorders has traditionally been diagnostic and for staging of malignant disease.
However, radiological techniques have evolved in recent years into interventional
procedures in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding, porto-systemic shunt
formation, biopsies, stent placement and in the management of post-surgical
complications. Indeed, interventional radiology cover is one of the criteria stipulated in
guidelines for a quality oesophago-gastric service.
The evolution of radiological modalities of investigation and staging has brought a
larger choice of techniques and more sophisticated equipment, which have impacted,
on clinical practice. This has resulted in the requirement for super specialisation
amongst radiologists in order to keep abreast of contemporary techniques. “G-I
radiologists” have become adept with the nuances of specialist interpretation of
radiographic images of the gastro-intestinal tract and have embraced advanced
techniques of image acquisition and interrogation to provide maximal information. In
addition, some have developed specialised interventional procedures for diagnostic and
therapeutic purposes.
Keywords: Diagnostic radiology, Interventional radiology, Computed
tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging, PET/ CT, Barium meal, Ultrasound,
Cancer staging, Nuclear medicine imaging, Radiological stenting, Image targeted
biopsy, Embolization.
