CT Scan, Here's What You Should Know

Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) is a procedure which using a combination of technology Photo X-rays or X-rays and special computer systemsto see conditions in the body from various angles, whether for the purposes of diagnosis, medical treatment, or evaluation of treatment. 

CT scan results have a more detailed quality and depth than X-rays. To get a clearer picture, sometimes it is necessary to give a contrast agent that is injected into a vein or taken by mouth.

IndicationCT Scan

CT scans can be used by doctors for the following purposes:

• Diagnosing abnormalities in muscles and bones
• Detects the location of tumors, infections, or blood clots
• Detecting wounds or bleeding in internal organs
• Guiding the course of medical procedures, such as surgery, biopsies, and radiation therapy
• Monitor disease progression
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the given treatment

The following are examples of using CT scans on body parts:

• Dthere is

  A chest CT scan is used to see whether there is infection in the organs in the chest, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, spread of cancer from other organs to the chest area, or problems with the heart, esophagus (esophagus), and large blood vessels (aorta).

• Stomach

  CT scan of the abdomen is used to detect cysts, abscesses, tumors, bleeding, aneurysms, or foreign bodies in the abdomen, as well as to see the presence or absence of enlarged lymph nodes, diverticulitis, and appendicitis.

• urinary tract

  The application of a CT scan of the urinary tract is intended to detect urinary tract narrowing, kidney stones, bladder stones, and tumors in the kidneys or bladder.

• Pelvic

  A pelvic CT scan can be used to detect disorders of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or prostate gland.

• Legs or arms

  CT scans of the legs or arms are used to see the condition of the bones and joints.

• Head

  A CT scan of the head can be used to detect tumors, infections, or bleeding inside the head, as well as to see if there is a skull fracture after a head injury.

• Spine

  A CT scan of the spine is done to see the structure and gaps of the spine, as well as to check the condition of the spinal cord.

Warning CT Scan

In general, a CT scan is a safe, fast, and painless procedure. However, there are several things that patients need to know before undergoing it, namely:

• Fetuses and children are more susceptible to the dangers of radiation exposure. Therefore, pregnant women and children are generally not advised to do a CT scan.
• The contrast fluid used in CT scans can cause a number of side effects, including anaphylactic reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you have a history of allergies, especially to contrast agents or iodine.
• Patients need to tell their doctor about any medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products they are currently taking. The doctor may ask the patient to stop taking certain medications.
• Breastfeeding mothers who undergo a CT scan with contrast fluid do not need to stop breastfeeding. However, if you want to feel safe, it is recommended to pump breast milk first to meet the baby's needs up to 1-2 days after the CT scan.
• CT scan can trigger fear in sufferers claustrphobia. Therefore, patients who have this condition need to consult a doctor so that they can get a sedative before the procedure.

Before CT Scan

The following are some of the preparations that need to be made before the CT scan procedure:

• Undergo a blood test to see kidney function, if you are going to do a CT scan with a contrast agent
• Do not eat or drink a few hours before the procedure, especially for patients who will use contrast agents
• Taking laxatives, for patients who will undergo imaging in the abdomen
• Removing metal objects, such as watches, jewelry, glasses, and belts to avoid distorting imaging
• Changing clothes with special clothes that have been provided by the hospital

Contrast can be given in several ways, depending on which part of the body is being examined. The following are ways of administering a contrast agent on a CT scan procedure:

• Oral (taken)

  The patient will be given an oral contrast agent, especially if a CT scan is done to see the condition of the esophagus (esophagus), stomach, or intestines. When taken, the contrast agent may feel unpleasant.

• Inject

  On a CT scan which is done to see the condition of the gallbladder, urinary tract, liver, or blood vessels, the doctor will inject a contrast agent through a vein in the arm to clarify the picture of these organs. The patient may feel a warm sensation on the body or a metallic taste in the mouth after the injection is made.

• Enema

  On a CT scan which is done to examine the condition of the colon, a contrast agent will be inserted through the patient's rectum. The patient may feel bloated and uncomfortable during the procedure.

If a CT scan is performed on a child, the doctor may give the child an anesthetic so that the child can relax while undergoing the procedure. The reason is, if the body moves during a CT scan, the results can be less clear, making it difficult to read.

Procedure CT Scan

After making all the preparations, the patient will be asked to lie down on a bed equipped with pillows, belts, and head restraints to prevent the body from moving during the procedure.

The CT scan room is only allowed for patients. The radiologist will operate the machine from another room while monitoring and communicating with the patient via an intercom connected in both rooms.

Next, the patient will be inserted into a CT scan machine that is shaped like a donut. The machine will spin while imaging is in progress. Each round will capture a body image piece by piece.

Sometimes, the radiologist will ask the patient to inhale, hold, and exhale during the procedure to get clear images.

In addition, the patient's bed may also be moved to get an image of certain body parts, but the patient is not allowed to move during the process because it can damage the image.

During the procedure, there is no pain. The patient may only feel uncomfortable being unable to move for a few minutes. The patient may also hear noises, such as ticking or buzzing, while the machine is running.

Taking pictures with a CT scan machine generally only takes a few seconds to minutes, depending on the part of the body being examined. However, overall from preparation to completion, a CT scan takes approximately 30–60 minutes.

The doctor will explain the results of the CT scan a few days or weeks after the procedure.

After CT Scan

Generally, patients are allowed to go home and resume their normal activities after the CT scan is performed. However, for patients who are given a contrast agent, it will be advised to wait in the hospital for at least 1 hour to anticipate an allergic reaction.

The doctor will also advise the patient to drink lots of water so that the kidneys can get rid of the contrast substance more quickly through urine.

Meanwhile, patients who are given sedatives are not allowed to drive a vehicle and are advised to be escorted by family or relatives when going home from the hospital.

Complications CT Scan

Radiation exposure can increase the risk of cancer. However, the radiation exposure used in CT scans is very small and is considered safe.

In addition, giving contrast agent by injection can cause mild allergic reactions, such as hives, hives, red rashes, or burning sensations all over the body. However, these reactions may go away on their own or with the use of antihistamines.

Tell your doctor right away if the contrast agent causes a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock, such as:

• Severe itching and hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart pounding
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat

Although very rare, giving contrast by injection can also cause kidney failure. This complication is more at risk in people with diabetes, dehydration, or kidney disease.