LETTERS

Do we really want interventional radiology in every local hospital?

In Dr. Robert L. Barbieri ’ s December editorial, “ Massive obstetric hemorrhage: High-and low-tech tools , ” he posed the following question: “ Should all obstetric services have access to the high-technology interventional radiology procedures? ” My answer: definitely not; it is too expensive.

Why are health-care costs spiraling? Because of the frequent introduction of new, high-tech (and therefore expensive) techniques. Is there any proof that the balloon, compression sutures, and artery ligation are inferior to embolization? Until there is, I avoid recommending radiological techniques.