Computed tomography is one of the main newest methods of modern examination. This method is based on X-ray radiation. The rays penetrate the body in microdoses, pass through the tissues of the epidermis to the organs, scan them in different planes, after which the data is processed in a computer. The output is a three-dimensional image of the organ under study. Thanks to this method, the doctor can see the examined organ in section, examine its cavity and tissue structure. The resulting image is displayed on a computer monitor. There are many pros and cons to this type of survey. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
The structure of the computed tomography machine
The tomograph device is quite simple. The office in which the apparatus is located is most often located in the basement with thick walls. Sometimes zinc plates are additionally installed on them. Such protectionnecessary for staff who work in a medical institution. The dose of radiation that is given to the patient during the examination is safe. But for nurses and doctors who are in the hospital, it is harmful to receive such radiation on a daily basis.
When entering the office, the patient can see a large ring called a radiation tube. It contains the main components for X-rays. Also, the device includes a table with a movable couch, which makes it possible to move the patient along the tube. There are detectors inside the tube.
For the procedure, the patient is placed on the table. The table with the couch is located quite high, so there are steps in front of it. The tube ring must be above the area to be examined. If computed tomography is performed for the abdominal organs, the arc will be located exactly above the abdomen.
The patient's head and legs will be outside the tube. A pillow will lie under the head, legs and body are fixed with light straps. During the procedure, you can not make any movements, this affects the result of the study. Therefore, the body is fixed to ensure a stationary state. The patient is given a remote control with a button on it. If he suddenly becomes ill, he can interrupt the examination at any time by calling the medical staff.
Computed tomography of the abdominal organs
This diagnostic method allows you to see not only the main organs, but also the lymph nodes and vessels located in the retroperitoneal space. The accuracy of the research method and the three-dimensional picture allows you to examine the cavity of the organ, thereby identifying even small changes that may occur in it.
The method is good because the results can be deciphered in a matter of hours. The examination period usually takes 30 - 40 minutes, and after an hour or two, the doctor reports the results. The burden on patients during the study is negligible and safe.
Contraindications for examination
Like any medical intervention, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity has certain contraindications. Radiation exposure does not pose any threat, even if there is a slight inflammatory process in the body or the development of a malignant tumor is detected.
The main contraindications include:
- Pregnancy and lactation. X-rays can negatively affect the future fetus and its development. They can also affect the mother's milk and be passed on to the baby.
- Age up to 14 years old. It is better not to expose a growing organism to any radiation.
- Weight more than 120kg. The maximum weight a couch can carry is exactly this.
- Acute inflammation occurring in the body, such as inflammation of the kidneys. The inflammatory process can negatively affect the accuracy of the diagnosis.
- Contraindications for contrast-enhanced CT are various allergic reactions to contrast agents. Before performing an examination with a contrast agent, the doctortests the body for all kinds of allergic reactions. Allergies are 1 in 100, but should still be tested.
- Blood diseases. In this case, there is a wide range of contraindications. Computed tomography is one of them.
- Severe liver disease such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.
What are the abdominal organs
The area of examination of the abdominal organs by computed tomography includes the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, namely:
- pancreas;
- stomach;
- liver;
- large and small intestines;
- gall bladder;
- spleen.
Also included in the scope of the study of the peritoneum:
- kidneys;
- adrenals;
- urinary system;
- lymphoid tissue and vessels.
As a result of computed tomography of the abdominal cavity, the doctor receives a three-dimensional model of images of organs. On them, he can see any changes in tissues, the walls of organs, examine the internal cavity, see the tissues around them, the network of blood vessels and lymph nodes.
What can an abdominal CT scan show
CT of the abdominal cavity reveals all sorts of pathologies occurring in the organs of the peritoneum:
- changes in the structure and functioning of organs;
- changes in the vascular system;
- changes in lymph nodes;
- blood diseases;
- hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver;
- gallstonedisease;
- congenital anomalies;
- development of benign and malignant tissues;
- chronic diseases.
presence of foreign bodies.
Preparation for surgery also requires a CT scan. Computed tomography is one of the ways to detect early oncological diseases. With the help of computed tomography, diseases such as lymphoma, lymphostasis, polycystic disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, cysts can be established.
Computed tomography with contrast
For the most accurate examination, CT with contrast is also used. This method of research is safe, however, doctors first test the patient for allergies. Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity with a contrast agent is used to examine blood vessels, large organs, and to examine the pelvic organs. Colon CT scans use a contrast agent administered through an enema.
Computed tomography of the abdomen with intravenous contrast stains inflamed areas. In the picture, these areas become more visible, which allows you to make a more accurate diagnosis. Using the contrast method, the doctor states tumors, cysts, cirrhosis, the presence of stones, and so on.
Preparing for the survey
Before a CT scan, a person needs to carefully prepare. Most often, it is necessary to conduct research on an empty stomach, so the office works in the first halfdays.
Preparation for computed tomography of the abdominal organs involves the following.
- The patient needs to prepare his body in the evening, so doctors recommend giving up dinner. It is highly recommended to exclude breakfast before the examination.
- 2 days before the upcoming examination, stick to the following menu: a light, preferably liquid breakfast. You can use various types of smoothies, juices. For lunch, you can have some protein, for example, 80 g of chicken breast baked with light vegetables. For the evening, skip dinner or drink kefir.
- Before the procedure, doctors prescribe a bowel cleansing with an enema. It is also necessary to fill the bladder, for example, drink four glasses of drinking water (you can use mineral water without gas) at room temperature.
Indications for CT
During the examination, pathologies are detected that cannot be detected using other diagnostic tools other than CT. Before the doctor prescribes a CT scan procedure, he may refer you to an ultrasound, colonoscopy, EGD of the stomach and intestines, or a plain x-ray. You also need to take a blood test. Analysis must be fresh (2 - 3 days).
When pathologies are detected, the doctor checks the results of tests for the presence of an inflammatory process. A detailed blood test allows you to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe further treatment.
Which is better - CT or MRI?
The medical world is still debating which is more effective. First of all, they differ in principleactions. A CT scan uses X-rays, while an MRI uses a magnetic field.
There are diseases for which it does not matter which research method to use. For example, magnetic resonance imaging is used to study soft tissues (muscles, joints, nervous system). CT more accurately shows changes in bone tissue, hollow organs, and so on.
Contraindications for CT and MRI
Computed tomography is contraindicated:
- pregnant;
- nursing mothers;
- children under 14;
- in the presence of plaster.
While magnetic resonance therapy can be used in all of the above cases. But MRI also has its contraindications, such as metal implants, pacemakers, claustrophobia.
The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging are painlessness, no X-ray radiation, high accuracy, the possibility of examination for pregnant and lactating women, children under 14 years old. The examination is carried out with a minimum probability of error.
The main disadvantage of MRI is considered to be poor-quality examination of hollow organs (stomach, small and large intestines, kidneys, gallbladder and bladder, lungs). MRI is not designed for this. This is the basis of the CT examination area.
The advantages of CT are the clarity of images of the skeletal system, detail, information content, the possibility of passing an examination in the presence of metal devices inbody.
With the help of computed tomography, a suspicion of internal bleeding, respiratory pathology, bone tissue damage, soft tissue tumors, tendon damage can be detected.
Which is more accurate Abdominal MRI or CT
As mentioned earlier, computed tomography is an examination method for detecting pathologies in hollow organs that are located in the abdominal cavity. And the method of magnetic resonance therapy is more suitable for examining, for example, small vessels, musculoskeletal tissue, nerve endings.
Where can I get an abdominal CT scan
Computed tomography is performed after consultation with a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Most often, the examination can be done in private clinics. Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity in Moscow can be done at least in 48 private institutions. Unlike urban, they are paid. But you pay for comfort, accuracy of diagnosis and detail to the problem. It is better to pay once and know how to continue treatment than to suffer with a problem that cannot be solved. Moreover, the average cost of computed tomography of the abdominal cavity in Moscow is from 3,500 thousand rubles. You can never skimp on he alth.
