Computed tomography is one of the main newest methods of modern examination. This method is based on x-ray radiation. Rays penetrate the body in microdoses, pass through the tissues of the epidermis to the organs, scan them in different planes, after which the data is processed in a computer. The output is a three-dimensional image of the investigated organ. Thanks to this method, the doctor can see the examined organ in a section, examine its cavity and tissue structure. The resulting image is displayed on a computer monitor. There are many advantages and disadvantages to this type of examination. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
The structure of the apparatus of computed tomography
The device of the tomograph is quite simple. The cabinet in which the apparatus is located is most often located in a basement with thick walls. Sometimes zinc plates are additionally installed on them. Such protection is necessary for personnel who work in a medical facility. The dose of radiation that is reported to the patient during the examination is safe. But it’s harmful for nurses and doctors who are in the hospital to receive such radiation daily.
Upon entering the office, the patient can see a large ring called the radiation tube. It contains the main components for x-rays. The apparatus also includes a table with a movable couch, which makes it possible to advance the patient along the pipe. Inside the tube are detectors.
For the procedure, the patient is laid on the table. The table with the couch is located quite high, so steps are set in front of it. The pipe ring should be above the study area. If computed tomography is performed for the abdominal organs, the arc will be located just above the stomach.
The head and legs of the patient will be outside the pipe. Under the head will be a pillow, legs and body are fixed with light straps. During the procedure, you can not make any movements, this affects the result of the study. Therefore, the body is fixed to ensure a stationary state. The patient is given the remote control on which the button is located. If he suddenly becomes ill, he can interrupt the examination at any time by calling the medical staff.
Computed tomography of the abdominal organs
This diagnostic method allows you to see not only the main organs, but also the lymph nodes and blood vessels located in the retroperitoneal space. The accuracy of the research method and a three-dimensional picture allows you to consider the cavity of the organ, thereby revealing even small changes that can occur in it.
The method is good in that the results can be decrypted in a matter of hours. The examination period usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, and after an hour or two the doctor reports the results. The burden on patients during the study is negligible and safe.
Contraindications for examination
Like any medical intervention, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity has certain contraindications. Radiation exposure does not pose any threat, even if a slight inflammatory process is observed in the body or the development of a malignant tumor is detected.
The main contraindications include:
- Pregnancy and lactation. X-rays can negatively affect the future fetus and its development. They can also affect mother’s milk and pass on to the baby.
- Age to 14 years. A growing organism is best not to be exposed to any radiation.
- Weight over 120 kg. The maximum weight that the couch can carry is exactly that.
- Acute inflammation that occurs in the body, such as inflammation of the kidneys. The inflammatory process can adversely affect the accuracy of the diagnosis.
- Contraindications to CT with contrast are various allergic reactions to contrast agents. Before conducting an examination with a contrast agent, the doctor tests the body for all kinds of allergic reactions. Allergy 1 case out of 100, however, a test should be performed.
- Blood diseases. In this case, there is a wide range of contraindications. Computed tomography is one of them.
- Severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.
What are the abdominal organs
The field of study of the abdominal organs through computed tomography includes the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, namely:
- pancreas;
- stomach;
- liver;
- large and small intestines;
- gall bladder;
- the spleen.
Also included in the study of peritoneum are:
- kidneys
- adrenal glands;
- urinary system;
- lymphoid tissue and blood vessels.
As a result of abdominal computed tomography, the doctor receives a three-dimensional model of organ images. On them, he can see any changes in tissues, organ walls, examine the internal cavity, see the tissues around them, the network of blood vessels and lymph nodes.
What can an abdominal CT scan show
CT scan of the abdominal cavity reveals all kinds of pathologies that occur in the organs of the peritoneum:
- changes in the structure and functioning of organs;
- changes in the vascular system;
- lymph node changes;
- blood diseases;
- hepatitis, cirrhosis;
- cholelithiasis;
- congenital malformations;
- development of benign and malignant tissues;
- chronic diseases.
the presence of foreign bodies.
Preparing for surgery also requires a CT scan. Computed tomography is one way of detecting early cancer. With the help of computed tomography , diseases such as lymphoma, lymphostasis, polycystosis, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, cysts can be established.
Computed tomography by contrast
For the most accurate examination, CT with contrast is also used. This test method is safe, however, doctors first test the patient for allergies. Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity with a contrast agent is used to study vessels, large organs, and to study the pelvic organs. For intestinal CT, contrast is used, which is injected through an enema.
Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity with intravenous contrast stains inflamed areas. In the picture, these areas become more visible, which allows you to make a more accurate diagnosis. Using the method of contrasting, the doctor notes tumors, cysts, cirrhosis, the presence of stones, and so on.
Survey preparation
Before a CT scan, a person needs to carefully prepare. Most often, research is necessary on an empty stomach, so the office works in the morning.
Preparation for computed tomography of the abdominal organs suggests the following.
- The patient needs to prepare his body in the evening, so doctors recommend giving up dinner. Before the test, it is strongly recommended that breakfast be excluded.
- 2 days before the upcoming examination, stick to the following menu: light, preferably liquid breakfast. You can use various types of smoothies, juices. For lunch, you can have a little protein, for example 80 g of chicken breast baked with light vegetables. In the evening, refuse dinner or drink kefir.
- Before the procedure, doctors prescribe an intestinal cleansing with an enema. It is also necessary to fill the bladder, for example, drink four glasses of drinking water (you can mineral without gas) at room temperature.
Indications for CT
The examination reveals pathologies that cannot be detected with the help of other diagnostic tools, except CT. Before the doctor prescribes the procedure of computed tomography, he can send for ultrasound, colonoscopy, FGDS of the stomach and intestines or an ordinary X-ray. It is also necessary to take a blood test. The analysis should be fresh (2 - 3 days).
If pathologies are detected, the doctor checks the results of the tests for the presence of an inflammatory process. An extensive blood test allows you to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe further treatment.
Which is better - CT or MRI?
In the medical world, disputes are still underway, which is more effective. First of all, they differ in the principle of action. Computed tomography uses x-rays, while magnetic resonance imaging is used in MRI.
There are diseases for which it does not matter which research method to use. For example, to study soft tissues (muscles, joints, nervous system), it is magnetic resonance imaging that is used. CT scan more accurately shows changes in bone tissue, hollow organs, and so on.
Contraindications to CT and MRI
Computed tomography is contraindicated:
- pregnant
- nursing mothers;
- children under 14 years old;
- in the presence of gypsum.
While magnetic resonance therapy can be used in all of the above cases. But MRI also has its contraindications, for example, metal implants, pacemakers, claustrophobia.
The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging are painlessness, the absence of x-ray radiation, high accuracy, the ability to conduct examinations for pregnant and lactating women, children under 14 years of age. The survey is carried out with a minimum probability of error.
The main disadvantage of MRI is poor-quality examination of the hollow organs (stomach, small and large intestines, kidneys, gall bladder, lungs). MRI is not intended for this. This is the basis of the CT examination area.
The advantages of CT are the clarity of images of the skeletal system, detail, information content, the ability to undergo examination in the presence of metal devices in the body.
Using computed tomography, you can identify suspicion of internal bleeding, pathology of the respiratory system, damage to bone tissue, soft tissue tumors, and damage to tendons.
What is more accurate MRI or CT of the abdomen
As mentioned earlier, computed tomography is an examination method for identifying pathologies in the hollow organs that are located in the abdominal cavity. And the method of magnetic resonance therapy is more suitable for research, for example, small vessels, musculoskeletal tissue, nerve endings.
Where can I get abdominal computed tomography?
Computed tomography is performed after consultation with a physician or gastroenterologist. Most often, the examination can be done in private clinics. Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity in Moscow can be done in at least 48 private institutions. Unlike city ones, they are paid. But you pay for comfort, accuracy of diagnosis and detail for the problem. It is better to pay once and know how to continue treatment than to suffer from a problem that cannot be solved. Moreover, the average cost of computed tomography of the abdominal cavity in Moscow is from 3,500 thousand rubles. Health can never be saved.