Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) or computerized axial tomography scan (CAT scan) is a medical examination procedure using a combination of X-ray or X-ray technology and a special computer system to view conditions in the body from various angles and pieces.
CT scan results have more detailed quality and depth than ordinary X-rays. CT scan is generally used as a diagnostic aid, a guide to take further action, and to monitor conditions before and after therapy. To get a clearer image of the organ, sometimes contrast is needed which is given by injection in a vein or taken by mouth.
Indications and Contraindications for CT Scan
The following are examples of the application of the CT scan method to a number of organs, including:
- Chest, to see an infection, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, the spread of cancer from other organs to the chest area, or problems in the heart, esophagus (esophagus), and large blood vessels (aorta).
- Stomach, to detect infection, cysts, abscesses, tumors, bleeding, aneurysms, foreign bodies, and enlarged lymph nodes, or see diverticulitis and appendicitis.
- Urinary tract, to detect the presence of infections in the urinary tract, kidney stones, bladder stones, other related diseases.
- Pelvis, to detect interference with the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or prostate gland.
- Legs or arms, for example to see the condition of the arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, thighs, legs, knees, ankles, or feet.
- Head, to see tumors and infections, or bleeding and skull fractures after a head injury.
- The spine, to see the structure and gap of the spine, as well as see the state of the spinal cord.
In general, a CT scan is a safe, fast, and painless examination. However, CT scans should not be performed on pregnant women because radiation exposure can pose a danger to the fetus. The use of contrast on CT scans also needs to be considered in patients with impaired renal function and allergies to contrast.
CT Scan Warning
For patients who will perform a CT scan procedure with contrast, the doctor will ask about a history of allergies to the special dye (contrast) to be given. An allergic reaction to the contrast can cause redness and itching, or difficulty breathing for more severe cases, but this is rarely the case. Contrast is also absorbed into breast milk, but in very small amounts and is considered safe. There is no need to stop breastfeeding after a contrast CT scan. But if you still feel afraid, it is advisable to pump and prepare breast milk in advance to meet the consumption of the baby for 1-2 days after a CT scan. Contrasting patients with impaired kidney function can also worsen the disorder, resulting in kidney failure.
For patients with claustrophobia, which is afraid of confined spaces, if necessary sedatives are given before the CT scan.
Radiation removed from a CT scan has the potential to harm the fetus, especially in the early trimester. Although small, the danger of CT scan radiation that is likely to cause cancer, also needs special attention in children. This is because children are more sensitive to radiation when compared to adults and because their bodies are smaller than adults, children tend to get greater radiation exposure, if the CT scan settings are not adjusted for children. In addition, the likelihood of children's lives is longer than that of adults, so there will be more conditions that allow children to be exposed to other radiation for the rest of their lives. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Before CT scan
The following preparations need to be made before the CT scan procedure, including:
- Do not eat or drink several hours before the procedure, especially for those who use contrast.
- Removing metal objects, such as watches, jewelry, glasses, belts, etc. so that the results of imaging are not disturbed. The hospital will also provide special clothing for use by patients.
- Patients who will carry out imaging in the abdomen will be asked not to consume solid food at night before a CT scan is done. Laxatives may be given to cleanse the intestines.
To get clearer images and make a difference with the surrounding organs or areas, the doctor will give a special dye (contrast), which can be given through:
- The patient will be asked to take the substance, especially if a CT scan is performed to see the esophagus or stomach. These substances might not taste good.
- The doctor will inject the substance through veins in the arms to clarify the condition of certain organs, such as the gallbladder, urinary tract, liver, or blood vessel flow. The patient's body may feel warm and feel a metallic sensation in the mouth after the injection is done.
- Substances will be inserted through the rectum of the patient to clarify the condition of the intestine during imaging. The patient may feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable when the procedure is performed.
CT Scan Procedure
After doing all the preparations, the patient will lie down on a flat bed equipped with pillows, belts, and head restraints to avoid the body moving during the procedure. The CT scan room is only allowed for patients, and the radiologist will operate the machine from another room while monitoring and communicating with the patient through intercoms that are connected in both rooms.
Next the patient will be put into a CT scan machine shaped like a donut with an X-ray tube located on the CT scan machine. The engine will rotate during imaging. Each round captures body images in piece-by-piece form.
Sometimes, the radiologist will ask the patient to draw, hold, and exhale to get clear images. If there is no signal, the patient can breathe normally. The patient's bed will also be moved to smooth the imaging process, but the patient is not allowed to move during the process because it can damage the results of the image.
When working, no pain is felt. Maybe the patient will only feel uncomfortable due to the hard bed and cold room. The patient can also hear noises such as ticking or buzzing during the engine running. When the engine is running, it generally only takes a few seconds. However, as a whole, from preparation to completion, a CT scan takes about 30-60 minutes. The results of the CT scan can be received by patients within 1 to 2 days.
After CT scan
Generally patients are allowed to go home and resume activities as usual after a CT scan is done, such as eating, drinking, or driving. However, for patients who are given special coloring agents (contrast), it will be advisable to wait at the hospital for at least an hour to anticipate an allergic reaction.
For those who are given sedatives, it is not allowed to drive the vehicle and it is recommended to be escorted by the family when going home from the hospital.
The doctor will advise the patient to consume lots of water so that the contrast given during the CT scan does not damage the kidneys.
Complications of CT Scan
Radiation produced by CT scans generally does not cause complications. The effect of CT radiation is thought to increase a person's risk of developing cancer later in life. However, this possibility is very small if done according to the indications, and the shooting has been arranged so that the patient is not exposed to large amounts of radiation.
Contrasting by injection can cause kidney failure, but this is very rare. Patients with diabetes, dehydration, or previous kidney disease are at risk for kidney failure after contrast administration. When this type of contrast develops, it reduces the risk of kidney failure after contrast injection.
Before a CT scan was recommended, the doctor must have weighed the risks and benefits. Discuss with your doctor to find out the benefits and risks of CT scans.
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