Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space

Contraindications to the procedure

Although retroperitoneal and abdominal CT scans carry minimal radiation exposure, scanning is not recommended for pregnant women and children under three years of age. But in terms of vital signs, the possibility of performing tomography for these categories of patients is being considered.

The list of contraindications includes:

• A state of acute mental arousal.
• Alcoholic and drug intoxication.
• Hyperkinesias (involuntary movements) that do not allow a person to remain still for a certain time.
• Body weight exceeding 120-130 kg (taking into account the load capacity of the apparatus table).
• The presence in the chest area of pacemakers, implanted electronic devices.

The presence of metal implants, pacemakers and other electronic devices is considered a relative contraindication. Therefore, before the procedure, it is necessary to inform the specialist about the presence of foreign objects in the body.

Abdominal CT with contrast is not performed for allergic reactions to iodine, kidney failure, thyroid diseases, severe forms of bronchial asthma.

Study preparation

Diagnostic results will be more accurate and reliable with proper preparation. The main purpose of the preparatory phase is to cleanse the intestines and reduce gas formation, which can interfere with the visualization of internal organs. 2 days before the scheduled tomography, the patient must switch to a diet that excludes:

• Yeast muffin.
• Black bread.
• Legumes.
• Carbonated drinks and kvass.
• Fiber-rich food.
• Cabbage.
• Dairy and dairy products.
• Berries and fruits (with the exception of citrus fruits).

These products cause fermentation in the intestines, which causes increased gas formation. With a tendency to flatulence after the last meal, you can take activated charcoal or carminatives, but only in consultation with your doctor. In the evening on the eve of computed tomography of the retroperitoneal space, a cleansing enema or laxative is recommended.

Special instructions:

• Observe the minimum time interval between the procedure and the last meal (6 hours).
• Come to the diagnostic room strictly on an empty stomach.
• Warn the doctor about taking any medications, implanted implants, pacemakers, insulin pumps.
• Do not wear underwear with rhinestones and appliqués.
• Give up alcohol at least 2 days in advance.
• Try to use a minimum of cosmetics on the day of the examination.
• Remove temporary tattoos from the body.

Preparation for CT of the abdominal cavity with contrast is carried out according to a similar scheme. But in some cases, blood and urine tests may be required to assess the urinary function of the kidneys and exclude allergies to iodine-containing substances. Women during lactation are advised to make a supply of breast milk for the next 2-3 days, since feeding will be prohibited until the contrast is removed from the body.

It is necessary to take medical documentation, the results of previous tomography, MSCT, MRI and other instrumental studies with you. They may need a diagnostician to track the dynamics of the disease.

How is an abdominal CT scan performed?

Before starting the procedure, the doctor will conduct a survey, take an interest in the patient's well-being, clarify the preliminary diagnosis, and study the medical documentation. The patient needs to remove all metal objects, jewelry, watches from himself and lie down on the tomograph table. You should take a comfortable position and try not to move during the session so as not to interfere with the equipment.

As soon as the sliding table moves into the chamber of the device, the diagnostic process will start. Within a few minutes, the scanning part of the tomograph will rotate around the patient's body and take a series of images. The process is continuously monitored by a doctor - he coordinates the operation of the device, monitors the patient's condition, gives instructions not to move or hold his breath.

At the end of the tomography, the subject is asked to dress and wait for the results. The procedure as a whole takes about 30 minutes, and a specialist will need about an hour to decipher the images.

When performing CT of the retroperitoneal space and abdominal cavity with contrast, an iodine-containing preparation is used. The contrast agent is administered intravenously at once or drip, immediately before the procedure or during the scan.

The cost of CT scan of the abdominal cavity with contrasting includes a diagnostic report and recording images on a digital medium. The injection of a contrast agent is a separate procedure, which is paid according to the price list of the clinic. All prices and features of the technique can be clarified in consultation with a specialist.

Is the CT procedure safe?

In clinics "K+31" the study is carried out on computed tomographs of the latest generation. The equipment creates the most accurate spatial resolution of images with minimal radiation exposure to the patient's body. Sessions are comfortable, painless, with low noise levels and do not leave traces of radiation exposure.

When performing CT of the retroperitoneal organs with contrast, safe preparations are used that do not accumulate in the tissues and are excreted in the urine within 1-2 days. To avoid possible risks, an anamnesis is first taken to exclude contraindications for tomography.

You can sign up for a CT scan of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space through the online form on the website of the "K+31" clinic or by phone. Choose a date and time convenient for you at the nearest branch of our medical center.