Should all patients undergoing interventional procedures be expected to have skin injuries and be asked to report back for a check-up?
No. A systematic ‘follow-up’ check-up of all patients undergoing an interventional radiology procedure is not necessary. However, it is of utmost importance that all patients undergoing such procedures be aware of the possibility of skin symptoms, so that they can report on time of any skin symptom occurring in the relevant areas. This will help to detect patients with higher radiosensitivity (ataxia telangiectasia). Moreover, the awareness about the possibility of erythema on the part of doctors performing radiological procedures and also among dermatologists is essential. An understanding of threshold dose and information about the dose delivered to the patient can be helpful in avoiding unnecessary follow-up or concern. The patient should be advised about the areas on the skin of the back (in cardiac interventions) where erythema might develop. The patient should be asked to examine himself or herself until about 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure for any skin changes in those areas.
Related Questions
- Should all patients undergoing interventional procedures be expected to have skin injuries and be asked to report back for a check-up?
- What is the standard of care regarding discharge time for patients undergoing diagnostic radial procedures utilizing the TR Band?
- Are radiation induced skin injuries common among patients undergoing interventions?
