CT ABDOMEN PLAIN

Overview of the Abdominal CT Scan

A CT Scan or Computed Tomography scan is an exploration radiography method that is painless and involves the use of x rays ,computer and other equipment’s so as to have a closer look of the abdominal organs in a three-dimensional way. The scan enables your physician to examine a number of stomach components such as bones, organs, tissues, and even blood vessels for potential injuries, infections, or diseases including cancer. 

CT Scan is more insightful than X-ray as far as the complexity of the images is concerned since CT or CAT scan of the abdomen enables the doctor to view the deep internal organs of the abdominal cavity including but not limited to liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, and blood vessels. 

Abdominal CT Scan What is It? 

A CT scan of the abdomen is a precise and effective method of visualizing the internal structures of the abdominal cavity. It provides in-depth images of: 

• Liver 
• Kidneys 
• Pancreas 
• Spleen 
• Stomach 
• Intestines 
• Blood vessels 
• Tumours or masses 
• Infections 
• Blood clots 
• Inflammatory conditions 
• Kidney stones 

List of Parameters Considered During the CT Scan of the Abdomen

While conducting an abdominal CT scan, the radiologist considers several factors, such as: 

For the reasons already mentioned and a few more, it is common practice for the CT Abdomen Radiologist to assess the patient's demographics as well as other factors such as age, sex, weight, medical history, etc. Additionally, such professionals often include several key parameters such as the following:- 

• Body mass index 
• Abdominal circumference 
• Noninvasive muscle respiratory rate in breaths per minute 
• Noninvasive muscle heart rate in beats per minute 
• Noninvasive muscle blood pressure 
• Iodine or contrast agents allergy 
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding 
• Past exposure to radioactive materials 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of the Abdomen?

Doctors recommend an abdominal CT scan for patients if they complain of persistent pain, swelling or discomfort in the abdomen, as this scan is typically trusted to assess the ailments pertaining to: 

• tumor or cancer 
• disease of the liver such as cirrhosis 
• inflammatory disorders of the intestines 
• kidney stones or bladder disorders 
• trauma of abdominal organs 
• A CT scan is also helpful for the doctors to direct certain procedures like biopsies and also to assess the response to therapies especially in cancer patients. 

Benefits of Taking a CT Scan of the Abdomen

An abdomen CT scan offers a plethora of benefits for both doctors and the patient. Some of the major benefits of taking an abdominal CT scan are:-

• Non-invasive and painless 
• High-resolution images 
• Comprehensive evaluation 
• Faster results 
• Guide treatment plan 
• Detect early-stage diseases 

Preparing for the CT Scan Abdomen

There are certain prerequisites that one must follow before undergoing CT Abdomen Scan, as these measures will help you clear gas pockets that tend to form during respiratory functions. Here are some of the guidelines for Abdominal CT scans that may prove to be useful- 

Pre requisites 

Your doctor might prescribe an 8 hr fasting period in the case of a scan and large hydration to fully hydrate the body so that gas doesn't build up in the digestive tract which is water. 

This is able to obtaining a more accurate image of the scanned segment. 

Best Time to Take the Scan 

Abdominal CT scans may be done at any time, with the understanding that it depends on the clinical circumstances and the particular scan you are having done. 

Eligibility 

Snapping a CT Scan of the abdomen does not come with any major eligibility hindrances. This scan can be used in patients of any age group who require high-quality imaging of the abdominal area, especially with respect to patients in whom the cause of pain or swelling is not known or those who have sustained some internal injuries. 

Procedure for Taking the CT Scan Abdomen 

For CT Scan abdomen preparation, the patient will be asked to lie on a motorized bed that passes through the scanner. If a contrast agent is needed, a patient can drink it or get it through IV. The scanning procedure takes about 10-30 minutes and requires you to be motionless throughout. 

Caution Before Taking the Scan 

While undertaking such scans and particularly CT scans, caution instructions must be taken such as advice your medical care provider in case you are pregnant, in case you have had any metallic substitutes, have hypersensitivity to contrast agents or have some kidney disease.