What is a hydro-CT abdomen?
A hydro-CT describes a special type of examination in which water is used as a contrast medium. The stomach and intestines in particular can be assessed well with a Hydro-CT. To do this, the patient must drink approx. 500ml of water shortly before the examination begins.
Often an antispasmodic drug is also administered, which reduces the gastrointestinal activity. The water acts as a so-called negative contrast medium, i.e. it darkens the stomach and intestines on the images. As a result, the wall of the organs can be shown particularly well and abnormalities can be detected more easily.
Do I have to take my clothes off for the examination?
Normally, only the clothing that is in the examination field needs to be removed. This is especially necessary because of metallic buttons and zippers, which can interfere with the recordings under certain circumstances. During abdominal CT, it is usually necessary to take off the pants, in some cases the bra must also be taken off for women.
However, in some clinics or practices, fabric trousers or shirts can also be left on. However, this must be clarified individually with the respective practice or clinic.
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