How to prepare for an abdominal CT scan?
As with ailments related to the lungs or head, the abdominal cavity can also benefit from a CT scan. Performing imaging tests allows you to quickly and, above all, comprehensively check the digestive system for any abnormalities in its functioning. We are able to carry out this type of diagnostic work in our clinic in Poznan. If you are interested, we invite you to contact us for detailed information about them.
The aforementioned diagnostic test involves imaging the patient in a supine position, in which a camera using X-rays takes a series of scans of a selected area of the body, then converting the resulting images to a three-dimensional view using computer algorithms. Computed tomography of the abdomen is a non-invasive, painless, fast and precise examination, which are its main advantages. A huge advantage of CT scanning is also the quality of the prepared images, which provide material to help the doctor prepare treatment-related recommendations. In this way, examinations are carried out both for the detection of typical gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities in the abdominal cavity, the cause of which is, for example, trauma.
What symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract warrant an abdominal CT scan?
Various types of disease symptoms can indicate a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, for example. Symptoms requiring diagnosis include pain in the aforementioned area, sudden weight loss or intestinal problems. Tomography is also used to diagnose cancer, trauma, as well as to evaluate kidney stones.
The abdominal and pelvic cavities contain the organs of the digestive, urinary, endocrine and sexual systems.
CT scans of these areas can be performed to:
- Oncology diagnostics and other unusual lesions,
- evaluation of diseases of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (urography)
- Trauma and bleeding diagnostics,
- Detecting the cause of abdominal pain,
- Detection of gastrointestinal obstruction,
- other conditions and diseases.
Note that this examination is often performed with the administration of a contrast agent.
It is worth noting that there are many other reasons why a doctor may order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.