Highlighting the increasing need for anaesthetic support in interventional radiology.

introductionThe field of interventional radiology (IR) has witnessed rapid advancements, with an increasing emphasis on complex and high-risk procedures. Increasingly, new IR treatments are becoming both available and indicated for patients with complex comorbidities. As a result, anaesthetic expertise has become essential to ensure patient safety, optimise procedural outcomes, and manage perioperative complications. Despite this growing demand, dedicated anaesthetic teams in IR remain limited, which leads to concerns regarding patient safety and procedural efficiency.

methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, to identify studies published up to September 2024 that examined the expanding scope of IR, with a focus on the increasing need for anaesthetic support. This commentary draws on the existing literature to discuss the interaction between anaesthesia and interventional radiology, with particular attention to procedural sedation, pain management, and the care of high-risk patients. This commentary also evaluates workforce limitations, logistical challenges, and potential benefits of increased anaesthetic involvement in IR.

findingsExisting literature demonstrates the significant benefits of anaesthetic involvement in IR. The presence of an anaesthesiologist was associated with reduced procedural risks, enhanced patient satisfaction, and quicker postoperative recovery times. Despite these benefits, many IR departments remain under-resourced in terms of dedicated anaesthetic staff. Furthermore, training programmes for anaesthesiologists rarely focus on the unique demands of IR, creating a gap in specialist care. The growing complexity and risk associated with IR procedures underscore the need for expanded anaesthetic support in this field. Hospitals and healthcare systems should prioritise the integration of anaesthetic teams into IR, investing in specialist training and workforce expansion. Doing so can improve patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of IR procedures, reducing procedural risks, increasing patient satisfaction, and facilitating quicker postoperative recovery times.