CT Scan of the Abdomen (Abdominal CT)

Prior to Procedure

Depending on which tissue your doctor wants to examine, you may be given a contrast dye. If this is the case, do not eat or drink anything for four 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 jewelry and watches.

During Procedure

If 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 a gantry, part-way inside the CT scanner, which is usually donut-shaped.

Anesthesia

None

Description of the Procedure

The gantry advances you very slowly through the CT scanner. You'll need to be very still during the entire test. As the scanner takes pictures, you'll hear some humming and clicking. The technician will ask you to hold your breath at certain points, so that the picture is not blurred by movement. You are able to talk to the technician and/or doctor during the exam, so if you are in pain, frightened, or concerned in any way, you can communicate this immediately.

After Procedure

If you've received contrast dye, drink extra fluids to more quickly flush it out of your body.

How Long Will It Take?

It may take 10-60 minutes, depending on how much area must be scanned and how much detail is required.

Will It Hurt?

The scan itself will not hurt, although you may feel restless. When you receive an injection of contrast dye, you may feel flushed, and you may notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. Some people experience brief nausea as the dye circulates.

Possible Complications

Allergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

None