CT Scan of the Abdomen (Abdominal CT)

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 ProcedureIf 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. AnesthesiaNone Description of the ProcedureThe 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 ProcedureIf 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 ComplicationsAllergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye Average Hospital StayNone Postoperative CareNone OutcomeYour doctor should be able to spot any abnormalities in the organs and/or tissues within your abdomen. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs You have had contrast dye and notice: HivesItchingNauseaSwollen, itchy eyesTightness of throatDifficulty breathing RESOURCES: RadiologyInfoRadiological Society of North Americahttp://www.radiologyinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologistshttp://www.camrt.ca RadiologyInfoRadiological Society of North Americahttp://www.radiologyinfo.org References: CT-scan. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ct-scan/FL00065 . Accessed October 15, 2007. Rydberg, J, Buckwalter KA, Caldemeyer KS, et al. Multisection CT: scanning techniques and clinical applications. Radiographics . 2000; 20:1787. Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests . Houghton Mifflin; 1997. Last reviewed October 2007 by Marcin Chwistek, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.