CT scan, Procedure and ImagingDr. Shanty Dhian Ekawati,
SpRad
DEFINITIONA CT scan is done to study the organs and vascular
system within the abdomen for signs of injuries, tumours, or other
disease.An x-ray scan that utilises a computer to produce
cross-sectional images of the body.
IndicationTumours and cysts Spread of cancer form another
location (metastases) Aortic aneurysm Gall bladder disease,
including gallstones Pancreatitis Abscess Kidney stones Kidney
disease Bleeding in the abdomen Liver disease
CT contraindicationHistory of allergies to drugs Previous
reaction to contrast media Asthma Renal failure or cardiac problems
Pregnancy or breast feeding Diabetes
Prior procedureDepending on which tissues your doctor wants to
examine, you may be given a contrast dye. For abdomen CT scan do
not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before your exam.You'll
remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. You'll also need to
remove all metal-containing items, including jewellery and
watches.Patients do not need to fast for C.T. scans of Thorax,
Brain, Neck, Spine or Extremities.
During ProcedureIf a contrast dye is needed, it is either
injected into a vein, or you will drink it in the form of a barium
solution. You'll be positioned on a special movable table, called
agantry, partway inside the CT scanner, which is usually
doughnut-shaped.For abdominal CT scan, if you've received contrast
dye, drink extra fluids to more quickly flush it out of your
body.
