To prescribe an effective treatment for any disease, it is necessary to make a diagnosis as accurately and correctly as possible. With modern diagnostic methods, most often this is not a big problem. This is especially important in conditions that are life-threatening for the patient. Diseases of the excretory system are quite common. Without its normal operation, it is impossible to cleanse the body of harmful substances, so it is important to detect the problem in time and get rid of it. The main method of diagnosis can be computed tomography of the kidneys, which will help to make an accurate diagnosis. Let's take a closer look at this research method.
The essence of tomography
This diagnostic procedure is based on the use of X-rays and the latest computer technology to obtain an image of the organ being examined. If we compare this method with X-rays, then it can be argued that CT is more informative.
During the study, X-rays move around the body, and all changes in their energy are transmitted to a computer, which, after converting the information, displays a two-dimensional image.
Varieties of tomography
The use of tomography as a diagnostic method began in the 20th century. To date, the principle of operation of the devices has changed. The following tomographs are now common:
- SCT - spiral tomography. Allows you to explore the layered structure of the body in a few seconds.
- Multispiral computed tomography of the kidneys is practiced in clinics in Moscow and beyond. A distinctive feature of such devices is the presence of several detectors, the number of turns of the X-ray tube is also increased.
You can conduct a study with or without a contrast agent. It is usually used in cases where it is necessary to obtain a clearer image of the examined organ.
What can be detected with CT
Pathologies of the kidneys are quite serious diseases that require immediate intervention and effective treatment. Many conditions are not recognizable by conventional diagnostic procedures. Only after the appearance of computed tomography of the kidneys, it became possible to diagnose pathologies such as:
- Congenital anomalies in the structure of the kidneys.
- Benign growths (eg cyst).
- CT helps to identify problems with the excretory system, even in newborn babies.
- Hydronephrosis in any degree of development.
- Cancerous tumors inside the kidneys.
- Pathological conditions caused by problems in the circulatory system, such as kidney infarction, thrombosis.
- Recognitiondisorders that appeared after trauma, surgery.
All these deviations are quite easily determined by computed tomography, which makes it possible to prescribe effective treatment in time.
Indications for CT
You can check the functioning of the kidneys using many diagnostic methods. First of all, these are laboratory tests that will immediately show deviations from the norm. When visiting a urologist, a referral to the described study is not always given, but the attending physician will definitely prescribe computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys if:
- The patient suffered a severe back injury.
- There is an infectious disease of the kidneys in the chronic stage, which is accompanied by a malfunction of the organ.
- There are congenital anomalies in the development of the urinary system.
- There is a suspicion of kidney stones or excretory tracts.
- All studies suggest that there is a tumor in the kidneys.
- Cyst suspected.
Computed tomography of the kidneys allows you to monitor the stages of development of neoplasms, which makes it possible to take the necessary measures in time.
Contraindications for CT scan
Despite the fact that computed tomography is a completely painless procedure and does not pose a danger to humans, there are a number of contraindications for its implementation:
- Do not prescribe CT scans to pregnant women, especially duringthe second half of the term.
- CT is also not recommended during breastfeeding.
- If the doctor in the patient's record sees a history of thyroid problems, the diagnosis is "diabetes mellitus in a severe stage", then tomography is prohibited.
- Contraindication for this procedure is skin cancer.
- Relative contraindication - body weight over 120 kg.
- Children under 14 do not get CT unless urgently needed.
- If the patient does not feel well before the procedure, it is better to postpone it for a more suitable time.
All these contraindications are relative, so if CT is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis, the procedure is indicated.
Many people have a question: where to do a computed tomography of the kidneys? Most medical centers have all the necessary equipment for this procedure. For example, in Moscow this can be done in centers such as:
- Multiprofile medical center "Capital".
- Clinic "Center for Endosurgery and Lithotripsy".
- MDC Ramsey Diagnostics.
- Diagnostic center "He alth Clinic" and many others. others
How to prepare for the procedure?
If computed tomography of the kidneys is prescribed, no special preparation is required. You can ask the doctor any questions you are interested in in connection with the upcoming procedure.
If a contrast agent is to be used, the patient must sign a specialconsent form, carefully reading it first. Before a CT scan with contrast, it is advisable to abstain from eating for three hours before the procedure.
If there are various forms of allergies or other diseases and pathological conditions at the moment, this should also be reported to the doctor.
You can always ask your doctor about how to prepare for a kidney CT scan.
Carrying out computed tomography
If everything is ready, all the questions have been clarified, then you can proceed to the procedure itself. It includes several steps:
- The patient must remove all metal objects.
- The person must be in loose clothing. If the patient does not have one, then he is invited to put on a gown.
- The subject lies down on the table, which will move into the tomograph ring.
- The machine is operated from the next room, but the patient is under complete control.
- Computed tomography of the kidneys (the photo shows this) involves the exclusion of any movements during the procedure. This distorts the image in the pictures.
- After the appropriate command from the specialist, the patient must hold his breath.
- When using a contrast agent, it is injected or drunk.
- Then the machine turns on, and the tomograph ring begins to rotate around the patient. During this time, some sounds can be heard.
- The body "absorbs"x-rays, and this is fixed by the sensors of the device, and then the information is processed by a computer. The result is a picture that is of interest to specialists.
- After the procedure is completed, the subject waits for some time while the quality of the received images is studied. If they have a fuzzy image, then you will have to repeat everything.
The entire procedure takes a few minutes if no contrast is needed. And up to half an hour if a special substance was used.
After treatment
Computed tomography of the kidneys reviews in most cases is good. Some patients note that if a contrast agent was used, itching, slight swelling, or difficulty breathing may occur. All this should be reported to the doctor. There may also be pain or redness at the injection site, but this will pass quickly.
After completion of the procedure, special observation is not required, the patient can lead a normal life.
Possible complications during and after tomography
You can always find out from the doctor what is the radiation load on the body during the procedure, as well as possible undesirable consequences. Radiation-related complications usually occur and are dangerous if the patient undergoes a sufficient number of studies related to radiation diagnostics.
In order for the development of the fetus to proceed normally, it is impossible to undergo CT scans during pregnancy. The attending physician must be aware thatthe woman is in position.
Several factors can affect image accuracy during a CT scan:
- Metal objects in the abdominal organs, such as surgical clamps. It is necessary to report this to a specialist.
- Barium x-ray before CT.
- There have been recent studies using contrast or other agents.
All this is discussed in advance with the doctor and the specialist who performs the tomography, and the issue is resolved on an individual basis in each case.
Research results
As soon as the CT scan of the kidneys is completed, the specialist will evaluate the results. For a complete conclusion, it usually takes about 1.5 hours. It is possible to write the results to a disk and give them to the patient.
It is clear that everyone will have their own result - who has completely he althy organs, and who has some pathologies. Based on the computed tomography, the attending physician can prescribe an adequate treatment that will give positive results.
For the effective treatment of any disease, it is very important not only to make a diagnosis on time, but also to make an accurate diagnosis. Computed tomography provides an excellent opportunity to do this quickly and safely for the patient. Do not be afraid of such procedures, it is better to identify all problems in time and solve them. Take care of yourself and your he alth!
