CT Enterography

What’s computed tomography (CT) enterography?

CT enterography is an imaging take a look at that makes use of CT imagery and a distinction materials to view the small gut and constructions inside the stomach and pelvis. The process permits your healthcare supplier to seek out out what’s inflicting your situation. They’ll additionally inform how nicely you are responding to remedy for a well being subject, comparable to Crohn’s illness.

A computerized tomography scan, or CT scan, is a kind of X-ray that makes use of a pc to make cross-sectional photos of your physique.

CT enterography is a fast, correct, and painless process.

In contrast to common X-ray photos and a routine CT scan, CT enterography is ready to present detailed photos of the small bowel.

Why would possibly I want CT enterography?

This take a look at is often performed to seek out:

Irritation

Tumors

Bowel obstructions, abscesses, or fistulas

The supply of bleeding

Location and severity of Crohn’s illness

What are the dangers of CT enterography?

CT enterography makes use of X-ray expertise with as little radiation publicity as attainable. Speak along with your healthcare supplier about this danger.

Inform your healthcare supplier when you have any allergy symptoms to distinction supplies, iodine, or shellfish. Additionally inform your supplier when you have had an allergic response to distinction supplies or dyes up to now.

Inform your supplier if you’re pregnant or suppose that you could be be pregnant.

If you’re breastfeeding, speak with the radiologist about when to renew breastfeeding after distinction materials is injected.

Inform your healthcare supplier if you’re taking the diabetes drugs metformin. You could be instructed to cease taking this drugs earlier than the scan.

If in case you have kidney issues, speak along with your healthcare supplier. In some circumstances, the distinction dye may cause kidney injury. Individuals with kidney illness usually tend to have kidney injury after distinction publicity.

There could also be different dangers, relying in your particular well being situation. Talk about any considerations along with your healthcare supplier earlier than the process.

How do I prepare for CT enterography?

Your healthcare supplier will clarify the process to you and reply any questions you may have.

You could be requested to signal a consent type that offers permission to do the process. Learn the shape rigorously. Ask questions if something is just not clear.

Let your healthcare supplier find out about any latest infections or diseases, in addition to any long-term (continual) circumstances that you’ve got. These embody diabetes, bronchial asthma, coronary heart illness, thyroid issues, and kidney illness.

Comply with any instructions you might be given for not consuming or consuming earlier than the process.

You could put on a robe throughout CT enterography, however you must put on comfy, loose-fitting garments the day of the process.

Bear in mind to take away all jewellery and different steel objects. Ask whether or not you’ll want to take away any listening to aids and steel dental gadgets that may be taken out.

What occurs throughout CT enterography?

Earlier than the take a look at, you will have to drink a number of glasses of liquid over the course of about an hour. The liquid features a distinction resolution that can assist the radiologist higher see your small gut on the CT scan.

After you may have completed consuming the distinction liquid resolution, you’ll be helped to lie on a desk, most likely in your again. Pillows or straps could also be used to assist hold you within the right place and forestall motion in the course of the process.

If a distinction materials might be used, you could be requested to drink it or it could be given by way of an IV line or enema (that is uncommon). If you’re requested to drink the distinction materials, you could really feel some belly fullness. If the distinction materials is given by way of an IV line, you could really feel a heat, flushing sensation and a metallic style. These emotions often final solely a minute or two.

As you lie on the desk, it’s going to slowly transfer by way of the CT scanning machine to seize the X-ray photos.

You’ll seemingly be requested to carry your breath for temporary intervals whereas the machine is scanning. The process is painless, however you’ll have to lie nonetheless for a time period. This might be uncomfortable for some folks.

What occurs after CT enterography?

The CT enterography process doesn’t trigger any lasting unwanted side effects. You received’t want restoration time as a result of the take a look at doesn’t require any incisions or sedation. You possibly can resume your common actions as quickly because the process is accomplished. Speak to your healthcare supplier if you’re breastfeeding about whether or not to delay breastfeeding.

A radiologist will evaluation your take a look at outcomes and ship them to your healthcare supplier. You’ll then have a follow-up cellphone name or go to along with your healthcare supplier to debate the outcomes and subsequent steps.

Subsequent steps

Earlier than you conform to the take a look at or the process, be sure to know:

The title of the take a look at or process

The rationale you might be having the take a look at or process

What outcomes to anticipate and what they imply

The dangers and advantages of the take a look at or process

What the attainable unwanted side effects or problems are

When and the place you might be to have the take a look at or process

Who will do the take a look at or process and what that particular person’s {qualifications} are

What would occur in the event you didn’t have the take a look at or process

Any various assessments or procedures to consider

When and the way you’ll get the outcomes

Who to name after the take a look at or process when you have questions or issues

How a lot you’ll have to pay for the take a look at or process