What is a CT abdomen?
CT is the term used to describe what is known as computed tomography. This is a procedure that works with X-rays just like the classical X-ray examination. However, not only one image is taken, but a series of images is taken while the computed tomography scanner rotates around the patient.
With the CT abdomen, only the abdominal and pelvic area of the patient is examined. Such an examination can be necessary for a wide range of diseases and injuries in the abdominal area and is completely painless. It also provides an extremely accurate image of the internal organs and structures.
The preparation of a CT abdomen
A CT abdominal examination is planned, unless it is an emergency, and the patient is invited for a preparatory consultation. Some important points should be clarified at this meeting. Many patients already have known pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.
These must be known to the doctor before the examination. Particularly important in the context of the CT examination are also diseases of the thyroid or kidneys, as well as allergies, as these can become problematic when contrast medium is administered. The doctor should also be provided with an up-to-date list of medications.
In addition, women may become pregnant, as in most cases this will rule out a CT scan. If the examination requires contrast medium, which must be drunk by the patient, the doctor will inform the patient when and at what intervals this should be done. Whether and how much may be eaten before the examination depends entirely on the region to be examined.
If the gastrointestinal tract is to be examined, it is often necessary to abstain from food 8 hours before the examination. However, if the urinary tract and bladder are to be examined, a light meal may be eaten before the examination. In general, alcohol should be avoided on the day of the examination. Some medications may not be taken before the examination because of the possible administration of contrast medium. However, this will be discussed in a preliminary consultation with the doctor in charge.
The procedure of the CT abdomen
The CT abdomen itself takes place very quickly and is completely painless. The patient lies down on a special couch which can be moved into the computer tomograph. If the examination requires a contrast medium to depict the vessels, this is administered to the patient in the vein shortly before the examination begins.
The X-ray assistants leave the room for the actual examination. They can give the patient instructions via an intercom. For the examination of the abdominal cavity, the patient lies flat on his back in most cases and is not allowed to move.
The couch is moved into the device and circled by it. For some images, it is necessary to inhale and/or hold the air for a certain period of time to ensure that the organ to be examined is clearly visible and the images are not blurred. However, the patient is always informed during the examination when and how long this is to be done. At the end of the examination, the radiographers re-enter the room. No more X-rays are emitted from the CT machine.
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