Computed tomography of the kidneys. Preparation, reviews

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 very difficult. This is especially important in conditions dangerous to the life of the patient. Disorders 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 diagnostic method may be computed tomography of the kidneys, which will help to make an accurate diagnosis. We will get to know this research method in more detail.

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 under investigation. 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 about their energy are transmitted to a computer, which after converting the information displays a two-dimensional image on the screen.

Types 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 undergone changes. The following tomographs are now common:

• SKT - spiral tomography. It 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, and the number of revolutions of the x-ray tube is also increased .

The study can be done with or without a contrast agent. It is usually used in cases where it is necessary to obtain a clearer image of the organ under investigation.

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 using conventional diagnostic procedures. Only after the appearance of computed tomography of the kidneys, it became possible to diagnose such pathologies as:

• Congenital malformations of the kidneys.
• Benign formations (for example, a cyst).
• CT can help identify problems with the excretory system, even in newborn babies.
• Hydronephrosis in any degree of development.
• Cancers within the kidneys.
• Pathological conditions caused by problems in the circulatory system, for example, renal infarction, thrombosis.
• Recognition of violations that appeared after an injury, surgery.

All these deviations are quite easily determined by computed tomography, which allows you to prescribe an effective treatment on time.

Indications for CT

You can check the kidneys using many diagnostic methods. First of all, these are laboratory tests that will immediately show abnormalities. When visiting a urologist, the direction for the described study is not always given, but computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys will definitely be prescribed by the attending physician if:

1. The patient received a severe back injury.
2. There is an infectious disease of the kidneys in the chronic stage, which is accompanied by a violation of the organ.
3. There are congenital abnormalities in the development of the urinary system.
4. There is a suspicion of the presence of kidney stones or excretory tracts.
5. All studies suggest that there is a tumor in the kidneys.
6. Cysts are suspected.

Computed tomography of the kidneys allows you to monitor the stages of development of tumors, which makes it possible to take the necessary measures in time.

Contraindications for CT

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 tomography to pregnant women, especially in the second half of the term.
• During breastfeeding, CT is also not recommended.
• If the doctor on the patient’s map sees a history of thyroid problems, a diagnosis of severe diabetes, then tomography is prohibited.
• Contraindication to this procedure is skin cancer.
• Relative contraindication - body weight more than 120 kg.
• Without urgent need, CT is not done for children under 14 years of age.
• If the patient does not feel well before the procedure, then it is better to postpone it to a more suitable time.

All these contraindications are relative, therefore, if CT is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis, a procedure is prescribed.

Many people have a question: where to do 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:

• Multidisciplinary medical center "Capital".
• Clinic Center for Endosurgery and Lithotripsy.
• MDC "Ramsey Diagnostics".
• Diagnostic center "Health Clinic" and many others. other

How to prepare for the procedure?

If computed tomography of the kidneys is prescribed, special preparation is not required. You can ask the doctor any questions that interest you in connection with the upcoming procedure.

If it is intended to use a contrast agent, the patient must sign a special consent form, having carefully studied it first. Before a CT scan with contrast, it is advisable to refrain from eating for three hours before the procedure.

If there are various forms of allergies or other diseases and pathological conditions at the moment, it is also necessary to inform the doctor about this.

You can always ask your doctor about how to prepare for computed tomography of the kidneys.

Computed tomography

If everything is ready, all questions are clarified, then you can proceed to the procedure itself. It includes several stages:

1. The patient must remove all metal objects.
2. The person should be in spacious clothes. If the patient does not have one, then he is invited to put on a bathrobe.
3. The examinee lies on the table, which will move into the ring of the tomograph.
4. They control the device from the next room, but the patient is under complete control.
5. Computed tomography of the kidneys (photo shows this) involves the exclusion of any movements during the procedure. This distorts the image in the pictures.
6. After an appropriate specialist command, the patient should hold his breath.
7. When using a contrast medium, it is injected through or injected.
8. Then the device turns on, and the tomography ring begins to rotate around the patient. At this time, you can hear some sounds.
9. The body "absorbs" X-rays, and this is recorded by the sensors of the device, and then the information is processed by a computer. The result is a picture that interests specialists.
10. After completing the procedure, the subject waits for a while while studying the quality of the obtained images. If they have a fuzzy image, then you have to repeat everything.

The duration of the entire procedure is several minutes, if without contrast. And up to half an hour if a special substance was used.

After the procedure

Computed tomography of the kidneys reviews in most cases is good. Some patients report, if a contrast agent has been used, that itching, slight swelling, or shortness of breath may occur. All this must be reported to the doctor. At the injection site, pain can also be felt or redness may occur, but all this quickly passes.

After completion of the procedure, special monitoring is not required, the patient can lead a familiar lifestyle.

Possible complications during and after tomography

You can always find out from the doctor what the radiation load on the body during the procedure, as well as about possible undesirable consequences. Usually, radiation-related complications arise and are dangerous if the patient undergoes a lot of studies related to radiation diagnostics.

In order for fetal development to proceed normally, CT should not be performed during pregnancy. Be sure the attending physician must know that the woman is in position.

Some factors may affect image accuracy during computed tomography:

• Metal objects in the abdominal organs, such as surgical clamps. It is necessary to inform the specialist about this.
• X-ray using barium before CT.
• There have been recent studies using contrast or other substances.

All this is previously discussed with a doctor and a specialist who performs tomography, and the issue is resolved individually in each case.

Research results

Once the computed tomography of the kidneys is completed, the specialist will evaluate the results. A complete conclusion usually takes about 1.5 hours. It is possible to write the results to disk and give to the patient.

It is clear that each result will have its own - who has completely healthy organs, and who has some pathologies. Based on 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 on time, but also to accurately diagnose. Computed tomography provides an excellent opportunity to do this quickly and safely for the patient. No need to be afraid of such procedures, it is better to identify all the problems in time and solve them. Take care of yourself and your health!