CT Colonography CT colonography produces 3D images of the colon. The images from the scan will be created using sophisticated computer graphic software to allow the doctor to examine the colon non-invasively without having to use endoscopic equipment.
This procedure will investigate structural abnormalities within the lining of the bowel wall. Preparation
You will need to ring the department to enquire about your individual preparation requirements for your planned examination. There is an extensive regime for preparing for this examination so ensure you have a pen and paper handy to write your instructions down. It is extremely important to follow all the instructions given to you for the colon (large Bowel) to be clean and well prepared for the examination to ensure accurate imaging to occur. Failure to follow the instructions could result in sub-optimal images or even rebooking. It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken. If you suspect you could be pregnant then a pregnancy test will need to be performed prior to the commencement of the examination. There will paperwork such as a questionnaire and consent form which you will be required to fill in upon arrival to the department. Children under the age of 16 will require consent from a guardian. You'll need to remove any clothes, jewellery or other objects that may interfere with the procedure such as zippers, belt and body piercings. If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking. Procedure
You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist down (including underwear) and change into a hospital gown for the examination. You will be asked to lie on your side on the CT examination table/bed with your knees drawn up towards your chest. You will be covered with a blanket and a screen drawn around you to maintain your privacy at all times. A doctor will insert a small lubricated tube into your rectum (bottom) and a balloon will be inflated at the end of this tube to help it stay in position. You will then be asked to roll onto your back (with the tube still in position) and air will be gently introduced through the tube at a controlled rate and pressure which will distend the bowel. Distending the bowel with air will allow better visualisation of the large intestine. This can be uncomfortable with a bloating sensation (like having wind) but should not give you any pain. A small injection may be given in a vein in the arm to help relax the bowel should you need it. Once there is adequate air in the bowel, images will be taken. You will need to follow the simple breathing instructions to provide optimal images. You may also need to be moved into different positions to evenly distribute the air within the bowel. The staff will instruct you during the examination. When all the images are taken and the doctor is satisfied with the images, he/she will deflate the balloon and remove the tube. You will be immediately directed to the nearest toilet. After the Procedure
You may feel bloated and pass large amounts of gas after the examination. This is normal as the body needs to expel the air that was introduced. Results
A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If you are an out-patient then a disc of images can be made available to you within 5 working days after the scan. Preparation Checklist
Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment
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Medical Imaging |
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