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| CT Scan |
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CT Scanning – What is it?
A CT scan is an advanced imaging technique which uses x-rays to produce
detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. CT shows us the internal organs
much better than standard x-rays and is a very common and important examination
technique in modern medicine.
Your doctor will be able to advise you when a CT scan may be useful in
evaluating your condition.
Your Scan
Having a scan will be quite simple for you. You will lie down on a bed and the
pictures will be taken as the bed passes through the large doughnut shaped
scanner. Producing the scan pictures is complex, and there are several very
powerful computers built into the machine.
The pictures are displayed on a special computer monitor, then printed onto
film for a permanent record. Our radiologists, who are doctors specially
trained to interpret your x-rays, will read the films and issue a report for
you and your doctor.
Risks?
The health risk to patients from exposure to medical radiation for diagnosis is
extremely small and is far outweighed by the benefit to the patient of a clear
diagnosis. CT makes detailed images which provide greater accuracy in detecting
disease. This can mean earlier detection and the chance of more successful
treatment. Remember that there is also a risk that failing to have the test
will delay diagnosis and treatment.
You must tell us if you are pregnant, so special precautions can be taken. Also
tell us about any allergies you may have.
Preparing for your scan.
As a general rule you should not eat or drink anything for three hours before
the appointment. However, you should continue to take prescribed medications.
Diabetic patients will be advised when making their appointment whether or not
to delay their medication for the scan.
If you are having a scan of the abdomen or pelvis you may need to drink a
special flavoured barium mixture beforehand to outline the bowel clearly. We
will tell you about this when you make your appointment.
If you have any previous x-rays, please bring them with you when you come for
your scan.
Your Examination.
Please come to your appointment dressed in comfortable casual clothing. For
some examinations you will be asked to change into a gown. It may be necessary
to remove metallic objects such as jewellery, dentures, hearing aids etc.
Your radiographer, specially trained in the use of x-ray equipment, will
position you on the bed. The radiographer will operate the CT scanner from an
adjoining room but is in contact with you via an intercom and, when out of the
scanning room, will be observing you the whole time through a large window.
The scanning couch will move during the scan and you will be asked to remain
very still during the scanning process.
The CT scan usually takes 20-40 minutes to complete.
Some patients will need an injection of a colourless fluid contrast agent to
improve definition of some areas of the body.
This injection is given into a vein in the arm and is like most other
intravenous injections except that you may feel a warm sensation afterwards
lasting about two minutes. This is not painful, however, some patients find it
uncomfortable because it is an unfamiliar sensation.
Your Results
After the examination and before you leave, the radiographer or radiologist
will check all the pictures obtained during the scan. Sometimes additional
scanning will be required.
After the scan is completed you will be able to return to your normal
activities.
The radiologist will review your scans and send your films and report to your
doctor. The radiologist may also phone your doctor to discuss the findings.
Appointments
To make an appointment for your CT scan please phone our practice at
Mercy Hospital in Epsom: 09 630 3324 or 09 623 5857.
If you have any further questions about CT scanning, ask your doctor or contact
us direct.
Our staff will be pleased to help you.
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| CT COLONOGRAPHY |
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This procedure is an examination of the large bowel ( colon). It demonstrates
the anatomy of the bowel and also gives an indication of abnormalities.
The procedure is performed on the CT scanner after inflation of the bowel with
air which is introduced through a soft catheter placed in the rectum.
The procedure can be performed as an alternative to colonoscopy or barium enema
examination. It is important that the indications and alternatives are
discussed with you by your doctor beforehand.
Preparing for your scan
It is important to have the bowel correctly prepared using
laxatives and a suppository, commencing the day before the examination.
Your examination
Two series of images are taken, one with the patient lying face up
and one face down. Each scan takes less than 30 seconds. The entire procedure
including preparation time takes approximately 20 minutes.
The patient lies on the x-ray table and a small flexible lubricated tube is
placed into the bowel opening. Air is then passed into the bowel through this
opening. There may be a feeling of stretching or mild discomfort in the abdomen
but patients are rarely bothered by this.
An intravenous injection may be given to relax the bowel and in some patients
this will help to reduce discomfort and improve the ease of interpretation of
the examination.
Patients must hold their breath for about 20 seconds while the films are being
taken. Then the air will be drained away and the tube removed at which point
the patient may go.
Processing the images takes considerable time as there are many images to view
on a high powered computer station. Reporting will take 30-60 minutes, often
the radiologist may consult with other specialist doctors.
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