Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or an MRI examination, is one of the most informative diagnostic methods in modern medicine. Its use is not limited to any one specific medical field. It is a universal tool that physicians of various specialties rely on in their daily clinical practice. The main advantage of MRI is that it examines the human body without the use of ionizing radiation. Its principle is based on the use of a magnetic field and radio waves, making it particularly important for children, pregnant women, and those patients for whom radiation exposure is undesirable.
Where is MRI used?
MRI is used in neurology, oncology, surgery, gynecology, and urology. The examination produces a complete three-dimensional image of internal organs, tissues, and neural structures with a level of accuracy that is often unattainable using other diagnostic methods.
The scope of MRI is broad. In various clinical situations, it reveals changes that cannot be detected by ultrasound or computed tomography, or can only be detected with less accuracy. This is why the world’s leading medical centers consider MRI to be the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of many pathological conditions.
Brain MRI is used to evaluate neurological changes, tumors, the consequences of stroke, and other structural abnormalities. This examination helps the specialist correlate clinical symptoms with imaging findings and make evidence-based clinical decisions. Dizziness, frequent headaches, memory problems, or changes in vision can, in many cases, be explained through brain MRI.
MRI is also one of the most frequently used examinations for the assessment of the spine, joints, and the musculoskeletal system. In these cases, its accuracy is particularly important because other imaging methods often fail to adequately demonstrate changes in soft tissues, particularly cartilage and ligaments. From sports injuries to degenerative diseases, the indications for musculoskeletal MRI are extensive.
MRI is also used in the evaluation of the cardiovascular system and the abdominal organs; however, in these cases, the clinical situation determines whether performing an MRI is justified compared with computed tomography or ultrasound. In every case, the physician selects the examination that most comprehensively reflects the specific clinical picture. Choosing the appropriate examination is just as important as performing the examination itself.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Uro-Oncology
In the context of uro-oncological investigations, MRI occupies a special place. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed oncological disease after skin cancer. Early detection, that is, accurate diagnosis before the tumor spreads, is the most appropriate choice.
In cases of suspected prostate cancer, MRI detects signs of malignant changes with an accuracy of 91%. This is a high rate; however, MRI also has certain limitations that must be taken into account when making clinical decisions. For this reason, uro-oncological diagnosis cannot be based on a single examination alone.
The examination requires the intravenous administration of contrast material, which may cause an allergic reaction or deterioration of kidney function. In patients with metallic implants, the examination generally cannot be performed. During MRI, the patient remains in a confined space for an extended period, which may be problematic in cases of claustrophobia or back pain.
Taking these limitations into consideration, the Guram Karazanashvili Robotic Center offers patients several diagnostic approaches based on their individual clinical needs. Our doctors discuss with each patient which examination provides the greatest amount of information with the least intervention.
MRI and Fusion Biopsy – Two Methods, One Goal
MRI alone is not always sufficient for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage. For this reason, Fusion Biopsy has been introduced at the center. This is a method that combines MRI data with 29 MHz micro-ultrasound data into a single targeted image. With this combination, biopsy samples are obtained from a specific suspicious lesion rather than randomly according to a general sampling principle, significantly increasing the accuracy of the examination.
A biopsy is used. The suspicious area identified on MRI serves as a precise target during the biopsy procedure.
Micro-ultrasound 29 MHz is also important as a standalone diagnostic method. Compared with conventional ultrasound, it provides imaging that is improved by 300%, while compared with MRI, it is 5–6 times faster and enables real-time navigation to the target lesion during biopsy. This means that the patient spends less time undergoing the procedure, experiences less stress, and the result remains equally reliable.
In practical terms, this means that, depending on the clinical situation, the physician can choose the most targeted diagnostic approach using MRI, micro-ultrasound, or a combination of both. The Karazanashvili Robotic Center is the only clinic in the Caucasus and the Black Sea region where 29 MHz micro-ultrasound is available.
MRI Cost and Availability
The cost of Magnetic Resonance Imaging depends on the type of examination, the need for contrast administration, and the clinical requirements. Since this varies from case to case, our team provides precise information by answering each patient’s specific questions.
The Center operates through five branches— two locations in Tbilisi, as well as in Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi. This means that the same standard of medical care is available across different regions of the country. Our branches are located so that patients can travel from home, undergo the examination, and return on the same day with minimal planning.
How to Prepare for an MRI Examination
Preparation for MRI depends on the type of examination. MRI of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs usually requires fasting for 4–6 hours, as this reduces intestinal gas and improves image quality. Brain MRI is often performed without any special preparation; however, each patient receives individual instructions.
Before the examination, all metal objects—including jewelry, glasses, and hair clips—must be removed because MRI uses a powerful magnetic field. If the patient has metallic implants, a pacemaker, or any other implanted device, this information must be provided to the physician before the examination. Therefore, when scheduling the examination, our team will ask all the necessary questions to ensure that the preparation process is complete.
Before coming for the examination, it is useful to bring a physician’s referral or the results of previously performed diagnostic examinations. This helps the specialist assess the complete clinical context and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary repeat examinations.
The Team That Transforms Examination Results into a Clinical Treatment Plan
An MRI examination is not evaluated separately or in isolation. Its result is part of the overall clinical picture and requires interpretation by a physician. At the Karazanashvili Robotic Center, our urologists, oncologists, and surgeons integrate diagnostic findings into an individualized treatment plan.
In complex cases, specialists hold a multidisciplinary consultation, during which the treatment strategy is developed jointly. This approach is especially important when bladder cancer or another oncological condition extends beyond the scope of a single specialty. Every case is reviewed individually. This is the principle on which the Center operates.
In addition to diagnostic services, the Center offers robotic surgery, treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate adenoma), and shockwave therapy. All of these services are available in one location under the coordination of a single multidisciplinary team, eliminating the need for additional consultations.
The Guram Karazanashvili Robotic Center is the clinic with the greatest experience in robotic surgery in the Caucasus. More than 300 highly complex robotic surgeries performed in less than two years, a full spectrum of diagnostic services, and a team experienced in managing complex clinical cases all demonstrate this expertise. To book an individual consultation or an examination, contact us online or call us at: (+995) 322 23 40 23.
