Ct scan of the abdomen

A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of your body and structures inside your body. A CT scan of the abdomen (belly) can give your doctor information about your liver, pancreas, kidneys, and other structures in your belly.

During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large doughnut-shaped machine.

A CT scan of the belly can help find problems such as kidney stones, infected pouches in the colon (diverticulitis), and appendicitis. It also helps find tumors and abscesses.

• You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V. Or you may drink the contrast material, or it may be put through a tube into your bladder or rectum.
• You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner.
• The table slides into the round opening of the scanner. The table will move during the scan. The scanner moves inside the doughnut-shaped casing around your body.
• You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
• You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch you through a window and talk with you during the test.

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

• Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure to arrange a ride home.
• You may be asked to not eat any solid foods starting the night before your scan.