About Abdominal and Pelvic CT
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and/or pelvis is particularly useful because it can image several types of tissue—organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels—with great clarity. CT scans of the abdomen or pelvis are commonly ordered to evaluate unexplained pain and/or bleeding, suspected aortic aneurysms, suspected incidence or history of cancer elsewhere in the body, and masses or lumps that can be felt.

What to expect
You will lie comfortably on your back on a padded table that moves through the scanner, which looks like a large square with an opening in the middle. Both ends of the scanner are open; you are not enclosed. You will be able to communicate with the technologist at any time through a two-way intercom.

As the procedure begins, you will hear humming, buzzing or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table will move in short steps through the scanner as the CT tube rotates around you. At each step, the scanner completes a separate view. The information is processed by the computer and displayed as images on a video screen for the technologist.

You should remain as still as possible to produce the clearest images. For some exams you may be asked to hold your breath during the imaging. If contrast material is injected into a vein in your arm, you may notice a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth for a short time.

The CT scan itself causes no pain. Usually the scanning takes several seconds or just a few minutes to perform. You can expect to be in the department for 15 to 60 minutes. When we schedule your appointment, we can give you an estimate of how long your procedure will take.

A RAS radiologist will interpret your CT scan and report the results to your physician within five working days.

Patient preparation
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT exam. You will be asked to remove any metal objects around your abdomen and pelvis. You may be asked to change into a gown.

If you are having a scan that requires intravenous (IV) or oral contrast medium, you will be given specific instructions for preparation.

Before the exam begins, please tell your physician and the technologist if you think you may possibly be pregnant. We will advise you about any dietary restrictions when scheduling your appointment. You may continue to take prescribed medications with small sips of water prior to your exam.

Patient Information for Exams/CT Ab & Pelvis

Side effects and complications
CT scanning causes no side effects. CT does involve exposure to X-ray radiation, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

Serious allergic reaction to the iodine-based contrast medium is rare. Our CT staff is well equipped to administer emergency treatment if necessary. Please let us know if you know or think you may be allergic to iodine.

Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after contrast injection before resuming breast-feeding.

Follow-up care
The CT exam itself requires no follow-up care.