Pelvic And Abdominal Computerized Axial Tomography

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A computerized axial tomography scan is also called a CT scan or a CAT scan. A pelvic CT scan takes pictures of your pelvis (the area between your hips). An abdominal CT takes pictures of your abdomen. A CT scan uses x-rays to look at bones, muscles, body organs, and blood vessels. Your caregiver may do a CT scan of your abdomen and your pelvis at the same time.
  
  
• Your caregiver may look for causes of pain in your pelvis or abdomen. You may need a CT scan to show if you have a broken bone, such as your hip. A CT scan may help your caregiver find out about a medical problem or disease. Your caregiver may use your CT results to help plan treatment, which may help you heal. Your caregiver also may use a CT scan to show problems caused by your condition, disease, or treatment.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• A CT scan may not show all of the medical problems in your pelvis or abdomen. The contrast used in a CT scan may cause itching, a rash, or a headache. You may feel nauseous (sick to your stomach) or vomit (throw up). If you have diabetes, your risk of having kidney damage will increase if contrast is used. If you are female and pregnant, a CT scan may cause problems with your unborn baby. You may have an allergy to the contrast, which may cause trouble breathing. X-rays from the CT scan may damage organs in your body and may increase your risk of cancer. You may die from some of these problems.
  
  
• If you do not have a CT scan, your caregiver may not be able to learn about a medical problem. Your caregiver may not know if your treatment is working. If a medical problem is not found or treated, it may get worse and you may die. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your CT scan or medical problems.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Getting ready: You may be told to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects.
  
  
• Steroids: Your caregiver may give you steroid medicine before your CT scan. Steroid medicine may help open your air passages so you can breathe easier. This medicine also may be given to decrease inflammation (swelling).
  
  
• Antihistamines: Your caregiver may give you antihistamine to decrease itching. This medicine also may help you be less likely to have an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Intravenous tube: Caregivers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine. Your caregiver may give you medicine to help you relax.
  
  
• Contrast: Contrast is a dye that helps the pictures show up on your CT scan. Your caregiver may give you contrast before your CT scan. If contrast will be used for your CT scan, it may be given through your IV or as a drink. Your caregiver also may give your contrast through your nose or rectum (anus).
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

During your procedure:

• Your caregiver asks you to lie on your back on the table. If you have contrast, pictures may be taken before and after the contrast is given. You must lie still during your CT scan. The CT table moves through the hole in the middle of the machine. The CT scan uses x-rays to take pictures of your body. Each picture, also called a slice, shows a few layers of your body tissue on a computer or TV-like screen.
  
  
• You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds as pictures are taken. You hear clicking sounds as the machine takes pictures. Your caregiver may take a CT scan of just your pelvis or your abdomen, or both. When the scan is done, the table moves out of the hole in the middle of the machine.

After your procedure:

Do not get off of the table until your caregiver says it is okay. Your caregiver may give you fluids in an IV or as a drink. When your caregiver sees that you are okay, you may be able to go home. If your caregiver wants you to stay in the hospital, you will be taken to your hospital room.

Learn more about Pelvic And Abdominal Computerized Axial Tomography (Inpatient Care)