Chest Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan

How does a TAP scan work?

A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic (TAP) scan is a comprehensive imaging examination that explores several key regions of the body, including the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Most of these scans involve the administration of an iodinated contrast medium injected directly into a vein. This significantly enhances the visibility of internal structures, including blood vessels and organs, and helps identify any abnormalities.

During the examination, the patient is positioned on a table that moves slowly through the scanner. It is important to remain still in order to obtain optimum image quality. In some cases, instructions such as holding your breath for a few seconds may be given.

The radiologist, a medical imaging specialist, chooses the most appropriate technique for your case. For example, depending on the nature of your symptoms or medical history, he or she may decide to perform thin sections or extend the exploration to other areas of the body. If necessary, this examination can be supplemented by other imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI.

What is a virtual colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy, also known as colonoscanner, is an advanced diagnostic method using X-rays to examine the colon. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, it does not require the insertion of an endoscope into the colon, making it less invasive and more comfortable for the patient.

As with a conventional CT scanner, the device collects detailed images of the inside of the abdomen, taken from different angles. These images are then processed by sophisticated computer software, which assembles them to produce a highly accurate 3D model of the inside of the colon.

Before the examination, a colonic preparation is often required to clean the colon and ensure clear images. During the examination, a small amount of air or CO₂ may be insufflated to better visualize the colon walls.

Why perform a virtual colonoscopy?

This technique is particularly useful for detecting precancerous lesions, such as polyps, in asymptomatic patients or those at increased risk of colorectal cancer. It is often proposed when conventional colonoscopy is contraindicated, for example due to health problems or complex anatomy.

It can also be performed when a conventional colonoscopy has not been completed, for example if a full colonic examination has been interrupted. It is also an interesting alternative for patients reluctant to undergo an invasive examination.

Virtual colonoscopy is frequently recommended after a positive fecal occult blood test, to determine the origin of the bleeding. Its effectiveness as a screening tool makes it a valuable method for identifying pathologies at an early stage.

How can we save lives and reduce the burden of cancer?

Early detection is one of the keys to reducing the impact of cancer in the population. By identifying abnormalities or pathologies early on, it becomes possible to offer appropriate treatment before the disease progresses. This considerably increases the chances of cure, particularly for slow-growing cancers.

Awareness campaigns and easier access to examinations such as TAP scans and virtual colonoscopy play a crucial role in this process. These tools make it possible to explore organs in depth and provide accurate diagnoses, thus contributing to effective patient management.

If you have any doubts or a family history of cancer, we strongly recommend that you consult a doctor to assess which tests are best suited to your situation.

What are the benefits?

CT scans, particularly thoraco-abdomino-pelvic scans, offer many advantages. It offers detailed visualization of organs and enables radiologists to identify pathologies such as tumors, infections and vascular anomalies with great precision.

This technology also reduces the need for more invasive examinations, such as biopsies, improving patient comfort. What's more, the speed of the examination (often carried out in just a few minutes) and the availability of results in a short space of time enable faster medical decision-making.

Finally, by enabling early diagnosis, these tests help prevent serious complications and guide treatment towards less aggressive options.

Preparation for a TAP scanner

Some scanners require special preparation beforehand.

For most examinations, you will need to drink and/or receive an injection of contrast material. This is a dye that helps to visualize body tissues more clearly on the scanner. The injection is made through a small, thin tube (cannula) in your arm. The cannula remains in place until the end of your examination, in case you experience problems such as an allergic reaction after the injection.

CT scans of the abdomen

If you have a CT scan of your abdomen, you may need to :

• drink a liquid contrast medium some time before the scan
• drink more of this product or water in the radiology department
• stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the scan (this concerns a CT scan of the inside of the large intestine, known as colography CT)

You will usually receive the contrast medium by injection and also as a drink. This helps to better visualize the digestive system on the scanner.

Chest scans

You may receive an injection of contrast material during the scan. This helps to better visualize tissues close to the area containing the cancer. For example, if your doctor wants to know if the cancer is affecting your blood vessels. This can help determine whether or not the cancer can be surgically removed.

Pelvic scanners

The pelvis is the lower body cavity located between the hip bones. It contains the pelvic organs, including the bladder, lower large intestine and reproductive organs. If you have a pelvic CT scan, you may need to :

• stop eating or drinking for a while before the scan
• receive an injection of contrast medium

Sometimes, for a rectal examination, an enema with a contrast medium is necessary. This appears on the X-ray and helps to better visualize the outline of the intestine on the CT scan. This may cause constipation. Your first stools will be white, but there are no other side effects.

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