What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan, also known as a computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan), is a medical imaging procedure that helps doctors look inside a human body. This procedure uses computers and X-ray machines to produce cross-sectional images (like visual “slices”) of the body. Compared to X-ray scans, these scans show organs, tissues, and tumors very clearly – without having to cut into the body of the patient.
The good news, the preparation for a CT scan is pretty simple. When you arrive to have your scan done, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and check for any metal objects on your body, such as implants, jewelry, or any other similar items. Some other items you will need to take off are:
- Dentures
- Eyeglasses
- Any kind of jewelry on any parts of the body
- Hearings aids
Please tell the X-Ray technician about anything like this, since it can interfere with your results. An abdominal CT may or may not be done with something called “contrast”, depending on what your doctor asks for. You may hear it called “CT scan with contrast” or “CT scan without contrast”. If you are having one with contrast, you will be asked to drink a large glass of liquid that contains chemicals like barium or gastrografin. It will allow a clearer picture during your scan- more on that later. You will also be asked if you have ANY allergies or if you are pregnant before you are given the contrast.
What is the abdominal CT Scan Procedure?
When you are safely ready for your scan and in a hospital gown, you will be asked to lay down on a table that will slide into a donut-shaped CT scanner machine. Once you are inside the donut, the x-ray machine will move around you, taking lots of images of the required area or body part, which are then sent to a computer. You will be asked to lay very still, and even hold your breath at certain parts, because moving around can make the images blurry. The whole scan will take from 20 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the clinic or provider, and the images they need.
What does an abdominal CT scan detect?
There are many reasons why your doctor might ask you to have a CT or CAT scan, but one done in the abdominal area would usually be for pain or disease or infection in the organs of that part of the body, like the kidneys, intestines, or appendix, among others. It can find the causes of things like:
- kidney stones
- abdominal pain
- infections
- intestinal obstruction
- unexplained weight loss
- injuries
- signs of inflammation
Some of the things that can be diagnosed are kidney stones or infections, liver disease, cancer in the pancreas or colon, and abdominal aneurysm. These are just examples and your situation may be different or more complex based on your symptoms or why the test was ordered.
What is a CT Scan with contrast, and why is it used?
Contrast is a liquid that causes the internal organs that the provider wants to see, to be seen more clearly on an x-ray image. It can be given to the patient through a line (such as an IV, also called IV contrast), or taken by mouth by the patient (called oral contrast). In a CT scan with contrast, the patient might need to stop eating a certain amount of time before the scan begins. Your provider will likely go over the risks that come with using contrast, such as having an allergic reaction to the substances in the contrast or exposure to radiation. Although a CT scan without contrast is possible, often the images do not highlight the organs or tissues as clearly. Your provider should outline clearly the risks and benefits of using contrast, so you feel informed and understand what you are doing and why.
What are the aftereffects of a CT scan with contrast?
The patient who has a CT scan with contrast might experience after-effects because of the contrast. Here are some of the side or after-effects:
- headache
- skin rashes
- itching
- nausea and vomiting
- flushing
- abdominal cramping
- diarrhea
- constipation
If you experience these during or after your scan, you can talk to your provider and find out what you should do next.
What are some of the risks associated with a CAT or CT Scan?
CT scans are not dangerous because the amount of radiation is very small. However, this kind of radiation in the body can affect a person’s DNA, which can cause cancer in some cases. Studies show that the chances of developing fatal cancer from this scan are about 1 in 2000 cases. These are some things to consider when you are having a scan done:
- If you are pregnant, let your physician know in advance. Exposure to such radiation, while you are pregnant, can cause birth defects.
- If you are diabetic or have any kidney problems, let your doctor know in advance. In some cases, these scans can lead to kidney failures under such conditions.
What happens after my CT or CAT scan?
After your scan is over, you will be asked to wait to make sure the pictures are clear enough to be reviewed. If they are, you will be allowed to get dressed and will most likely be able to return to normal activity. If you are having a side or after effects, your provider will give you clear instructions about what to do. Then, all the images that were just collected will be sent to a radiologist, who can read the results and give them to your primary doctor. Then, they will follow up with you. This process can generally be done within 24 hours but depends on the place where you had the scan done.
CT scan is the most important diagnostic tool. They detect the conditions which are not detected by x-rays as they show the 3D images of the body. It is also used to monitor the patient’s condition after or during the treatment.