Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity is a modern diagnostic method that allows to obtain very accurate images of sections of organs and tissues by means of computer processing of radiological images. What are the indications for computed tomography of the abdominal cavity? How is the test carried out?

Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity (abdomen)is a radiological examination that allows you to obtain images of transverse sections of organs located in the abdominal cavity.

Computed tomography of the abdomen (abdomen) - indications

The indications for computed tomography of the abdominal cavity are:

  • tumors of organs in the abdominal cavity, e.g. liver cancer, pancreatic cancer
  • inflammation of organs in the abdominal cavity, e.g. pancreatitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis of the large intestine
  • gastrointestinal obstruction
  • Buddha-Chiari syndrome, or thrombosis of the hepatic veins
  • gastrointestinal bleeding
  • abdominal injuries
  • kidney diseases - inflammation, calcification, kidney stones

Contraindication to computed tomography may be claustrophobia and allergic reactions to drugs or contrast agents, bleeding tendency (hemorrhagic diathesis) and pregnancy. Women who suspect fertilization may have occurred should also avoid this study.

Computed tomography of the abdomen (abdomen) - how to prepare?

You should go to the tomography on an empty stomach (no solid food should be eaten at least 6 hours earlier). You can drink still water.

Before the test, show the physician the current (valid for max. 2 weeks) serum creatinine test result. If the result is abnormal, the test cannot be performed.

1.5 hours before the test, drink half a liter of still water and stay with a full bladder.

Computed tomography of the abdomen (abdomen) - what is it? How is it going?

The patient gets an aqueous solution of a contrast agent to drink. In order to eliminate the disturbance of the picture caused by bowel movements, your doctor may give you anti-peristalsis beforehand. Young children are additionally given the meanssedatives or uses general anesthesia.

The test usually lasts from several to several dozen minutes. The patient is placed on a special movable table. Then it is pushed inside the camera. A lamp that produces X-rays moves around the body on a special frame. The radiation dose is relatively high, therefore the test should not be repeated any number of times.

You must remain still during the examination. The doctor tells you what to do at the moment. Most tomographs are equipped with the so-called intercom, used for voice communication between the patient and the doctor or technicians.

The device also has diodes that light up when sending X-rays - you must not breathe when the light is on.

After the examination, it is advisable to consume more fluid than usual to rinse out the contrast.

Computed tomography of the abdomen (abdomen) - complications

After the examination, complications related to the administration of a contrast agent may appear. Report any undesirable symptoms to your doctor immediately.

  • Computed tomography: indications and the course of the examination
  • Gastroscopy. How to prepare for a gastroscopy?
  • Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity - examination of the organs in the abdominal cavity

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