Abdominal-pelvic CT scan

Abdominal-pelvic ct-scan in Paris

What is an abdomino-pelvic CT scan?

An Abdominal Pelvic CT Scan is an imaging test that visualizes the following structures with the utmost precision: the digestive tract, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, blood vessels, lymph nodes, etc. It detects diseases of the small intestine, colon and other internal organs.

Why have an abdomino-pelvic scan?

Radiologists generally use this procedure to help diagnose the cause (generally unexplained) abdominal or pelvic pain. They also use it to diagnose diseases of the internal organs, small intestine and colon. The pelvic or abdominal pain must be seriously considered, since in most cases, it's what alerts us.

Pelvic pain

Pain in the lower abdomen, in the pelvis, may be felt. It often involves the uterus, the bladder and the rectum. The symptoms may be dull, intermittent or acute.

Abdominal pain

Almost everyone has experienced pain in the abdomen. Abdominal pain can be cramping, burning, throbbing, twisting, dull, intermittent or acute.

Any pelvic or abdominal pain that persists for more than 6 weeks should be investigated by a radiologist. In some cases, these pains may reveal abnormalities that require follow-up, treatment or intervention.

What are the most common anomalies that can be detected?

An Abdominal Pelvic CT Scan is to visualize and detect the following anomalies:

Infections such as appendicitis pyelonephritis or collections of infected fluid, also known as abscesses.
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, pancreatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
These liver, kidney, pancreas, ovary and bladder cancers as well as lymphomas.
These kidney and bladder stones.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), injuries to abdominal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys or other internal organs in the event of trauma.

Doctors also use abdominal-pelvic CT scans to :

To guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainage and minimally invasive tumor treatments.
Plan and evaluate the results of surgical procedures, such as organ transplants.
Determining, planning and correctly administering radiotherapy treatments for tumors and monitor response to chemotherapy.

In an emergency, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.

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Abdominal and pelvic CT scan appointment

Make an appointment for an abdomino-pelvic scan at our centers:

Scanner Bachaumont 75002

Scanner Pôle Santé Bergère 75009

Scanner Blomet 75015

Make an appointment on Doctolib

How the exam works

You'll lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the scanner. Most of the time, you'll be on your back, with your arms raised above your head.

Once inside the scanner, the machine's X-ray beam rotates around you. Modern spiral scanners can perform the examination without interruption.

A computer creates separate images of the abdominal area, known as "slices". These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, printed on film or saved to disk. Three-dimensional models of the abdominal and pelvic area can be created by stacking the slices.

You must remain still during the examination, as any movement will result in blurred images. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.

In many cases, a abdominal scanner is made with a pelvic scanner.

The examination should take no more than 30 minutes.

How to prepare for the exam

It is sometimes necessary to receive a special contrast medium before certain examinations. This helps certain areas to appear more clearly on images. Contrast can be administered in a number of ways, such as :

Contrast can be injected intravenously (IV) into your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the examination.

It may be necessary to drink the contrast before the examination. When you drink it depends on the type of examination being carried out. Contrast has a chalky taste, although some are flavored to be a little more pleasant. The contrast you drink will leave your body through the stool and is harmless.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medication before the examination to receive this substance safely.

Before receiving contrast, inform your practitioner if you are taking the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage). People taking this medication may have to stop taking it some time before the examination.

Let your healthcare professional know if you have kidney problems. Intravenous contrast can worsen kidney function.

Excessive weight can damage the scanner. Find out about the scanner's weight limit if you weigh more than 135 kg.

You will need to remove your jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the examination.

Is detecting these anomalies risk-free?

Abdominal and pelvic CT scans work in the same way as other radiological examinations.

The procedure sometimes requires a iodine-based contrast medium intravenously (injected into a vein) to help reduce evaluate blood vessels and organs such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It's up to the doctor to decide. If this is the case, the dose delivered is limited to the strict minimum and controlled by specialized health professionals.

In the vast majority of cases, you won't feel any pain. However, in the event of intravenous injection. It's not uncommon to feel a sensation of heat at the moment of injection, or a strange taste in the mouth.

What are the benefits?

By visualizing an Abdominal Pelvic CT Scan, an experienced radiologist can accurately diagnose many causes of abdominal pain or trauma injuries. This allows faster processing and often eliminates the need for additional, more invasive diagnostic procedures.

What's more, when pain is caused by infection or inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications.

Last updated: October 27, 2024
Controlled by Dr Charles Yana