IFEMED Journal of the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association J. Ifemed | vol 28| issue 1|2024 https://Ifemedjc.com/ Ifemed Journal of Medicine May be reproduced with permission and acknowledgement Copyright © 2024 Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association. All rights reserved. The Changing Landscape of Interventional Radiology in Nigeria Olowoyeye A.A 1 , Owootomo J.J 1 , Olayiwola P.A 2 1 Clinical II, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 2 Preclinical II, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ABSTRACT Interventional radiology is an emerging field in Nigeria, with well-established practices in the Global South, including the United Kingdom and the United States. This article aims to highlight significant advancements, including the establishment of professional organizations and training programs. It provides a historical context, examines the current state of interventional radiology practice, and addresses challenges that impede the widespread adoption of IR in Nigeria. Additionally, it identifies the critical factors driving progress in this field and presents solutions to tackle existing barriers effectively. It also offers strong insights into the future trajectory of IR in Nigeria, ensuring enhanced access to minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for the Nigerian population. Keywords: Interventional radiology, Nigeria, ultrasound, X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) INTRODUCTION Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly advancing and highly innovative medical specialty (1) . It originated on January 16, 1964, when Dotter performed a percutaneous dilation procedure on an 82-year-old woman suffering from painful leg ischemia and gangrene. The patient had a tight, localized stenosis of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and refused leg amputation. Dotter successfully dilated the stenosis with a guide wire and coaxial Teflon catheters, restoring circulation to her leg (2) . This field uses image-guided techniques for minimally invasive procedures, offering lower-risk alternatives to many traditional medical and surgical therapies (3) , utilizes advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and other innovative methods (4) . An interventional radiologist is a highly skilled physician who performs image-guided procedures and interprets the imaging necessary to guide and monitor a patient’s response to those procedures. They also provide comprehensive pre- and post- procedural care for patients (1) . These specialists are at the forefront of clinical advances and use the latest image-guided technologies. They are trained in radiology and minimally invasive procedures and work across the body to administer minimally invasive treatments for various conditions (4) . Furthermore, interventional radiologists can diagnose and treat diseases by inserting small devices, such as catheters or wires, into the body (5) . They use X-ray and imaging methods such as CT and ultrasound to guide them in visualizing inside the body and treating complex conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, with less invasiveness and unprecedented precision (4) . Most procedures are carried out through incisions less than 5mm. It is often possible to avoid general anesthetics. The majority of the procedures are performed under local anesthesia, sometimes combined with sedation. This makes patients recover faster, usually requiring less time off work and is cost- effective. Patients typically experience quicker healing, and minimal scarring, and can undergo complex procedures without prolonged hospital stays. Additionally, they can resume their normal lives more rapidly (1) . There is also reduced blood loss and apprehension (6) . This paper investigates the current status, factors that drive change, future directions, and challenges facing interventional radiology in Nigeria.