Computed tomography of the intestine

Computed tomography of the intestine is also called a virtual colonoscopy. To obtain a complete picture of the internal area of ​​the intestine, colon, small doses of X-ray irradiation are applied at the time of scanning without invasive intervention. The procedure is not traumatic, it occurs painlessly and quickly - within 15 minutes.

Preparation for computed tomography of the intestine

Preparation for the CT procedure is as follows:

1. For 2 days do not take gas-producing foods and beverages (legumes, black bread, raw vegetables and fruits, carbonated drinks, milk and dairy products).
2. The day before the study, drink a laxative (Fortrans or Duffalac).
3. On the eve of the morning, drink a laxative and make a cleansing enema.
4. Before the procedure, remove all metal objects, including the false teeth.
5. The patient is requested to wear a special robe for the duration of the study.

What is included in the study of computed tomography of the intestine?

The examination of the intestine by CT method allows diagnosing the following diseases:

• acute and specific inflammatory processes in the intestine;
• colitis;
• nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease ;
• celiac disease;
• adhesion sickness;
• bleeding from the digestive tract;
• Gastrointestinal tract tumors - polyps, lymphomas, cancer;
• secondary intestinal lesions;
• complications of gastric ulcer.

Computed tomography of large intestine

Tomography is as follows:

1. The patient is placed on a special table.
2. In the rectum to a depth of 5 cm is introduced a small tube through which a small amount of air is used to spread the gut and improve the image quality.
3. Then the table with the patient calls in a special X-ray machine, resembling a huge bagel.
4. The device rotates around the table in a spiral and takes pictures layer by layer from different angles. The tomograph generates a 3D image of the inner region of the large intestine.

Contrast computed tomography of the intestine

Iodine-containing contrast may be used for better intestinal examination. The drug is injected with enema, not absorbed and stains only the intestinal mucosa.