Comprehensive diagnostic imaging is the work of the Radiology Department. The human body namely does not only consist of a single organ – it is made up of many different organs and systems that are interconnected with each other. The role of the Radiology Department is to approach the human body in its totality, as it performs diagnostic imaging of every part. These specialists also have to skillfully select the most appropriate procedure among CT, MRI, echography, etc., depending on the characteristics of the target organ and the disease.

The images obtained by various tests, not only CT and MRI, but also plain X-rays, echograms, different kinds of contrast studies, etc., are responsibly read and interpreted. The department also has experts who have further specialized in the interpretation of images specifically obtained in such fields as the chest, cardiovascular system, breast, nervous system, gastroenterological system, female pelvis, urology, pediatrics, bones and joints, etc.

This diagnostic imaging environment is also available for use by patients visiting the general outpatients department, and can serve the purpose of obtaining an image-based second opinion.

The other characteristic of care is the provision of interventional treatment involving the application of diagnostic imaging techniques (interventional radiology). Percutaneous vertebroplasty, which is recently receiving much media attention, is one such procedure in which St Luke’s International Hospital has top-class experience across the country, and which is performed in more than 200 cases every year.  This procedure provides dramatic relief to numerous patients suffering severe low back pain. A special outpatient division has been opened for patients in whom this procedure is indicated.

Procedures like coil embolization of brain aneurysms and stenting of the carotid artery are performed at the Neuroendovascular Therapy Department.

We proactively perform a wide range of procedures from arterial embolization to stop bleeding in case of emergencies with traumatic or gastrointestinal hemorrhage, to such interventions as chemoembolization and radiowave therapy for liver cancer. As part of the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, percutaneous tissue collection using MRI, mammography or ultrasound is performed at the Radiology Department, in cooperation with the Breast Surgery Department. We also treat hemangioma and vascular malformations of the extremities, and perform embolization of uterine fibroids, among other procedures. These are all performed in close cooperation with the Gastroenterology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dermatology and Obstetrics & Gynecology departments, respectively.