Find Out More About the Pelvic CT Scan

ByCaesar Hours

The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that contains the sacrum, coccyx, and hip bones. The pelvis area is between the belly button and thigh, protects the abdominal organs, and supports the spinal column. There are a variety of conditions that affect the organs of the pelvis region, such as infection, inflammation, tumor, abnormal mass growth, injury or trauma, pelvis pain, etc. The doctor uses various diagnostic techniques to diagnose the problem and detect its underlying cause.

I am writing this article to educate you regarding the pelvis problem and how a CT scan is helpful in the diagnosis of pelvis-related issues. So, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of CT scans for pelvis issues.

The points to be discussed are:

  • CT scan and pelvis
  • When does the doctor prescribe the CT scan of the pelvis?
  • How do I get ready for my CT to scan my pelvis?
  • What is the procedure for a pelvic CT scan?
  • How long does it take to get a CT scan of the pelvis?
  • What is the cost of a pelvic CT scan?
  • Conclusion

CT scan and pelvis

CT (computer tomography) pelvis is an imaging procedure that uses an x-ray beam that rotates around you while scanning and a computer system to create computerised images of the pelvis areas. This imaging scan contains pictures of the internal organs, bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels in your pelvic area. Doctors recommend the procedure when they suspect that you are suffering from certain kinds of pelvis issues that cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the pelvis area. A CT scan helps the doctor confirm whether there are problems in the pelvis area, such as

  • Fluid accumulation
  • Abscesses
  • Infection
  • Inflammation

When does the doctor order the pelvic CT scan?

If you have persistent and severe pain in your pelvis, your doctor may order a CT scan of the pelvis to determine the source of the problem. Apart from this, the scan is used for various other purposes, such as to diagnose an injury to the internal organs of the pelvis area and the severity of the injury.

The doctor asks for a pelvic CT scan to diagnose the issues if he suspects you have any of the following problems:

  • Pelvic infections
  • Pelvic inflammation
  • Inflammatory diseases of the pelvis
  • Cancer of the liver, kidney, bladder, pancreas, and ovaries
  • Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, etc.
  • Kidney stone
  • Bladder
  • stones
  • Abdominal aneurysms
  • Pelvic edoema
  • Thickening of the fallopian tubes
  • Enlarged
  • ovaries
  • Fluid accumulation in the endometrial canal
  • Pelvic abscesses

Apart from the above, doctors use this imaging procedure as a guide for tumour biopsies and to determine the progression of the treatment.

How do I get ready for my CT to scan my pelvis?

Before undergoing a CT scan, make sure to inform your doctor about all the health conditions you are suffering from. Some health issues, such as diabetes, asthma, and thyroid issues, may affect the scan.

A CT scan during pregnancy affects the fetus. So, the doctor doesn’t recommend a CT scan for pregnant women.

Avoid drinking or eating anything for a few hours before the scanning procedure.

You need to take out all kinds of metallic jewellery, hearing aids, dentures, spectacles, etc. to avoid any kind of negative effect on the scanning.

What is the procedure for a pelvic CT scan?

Usually, a CT scan of the pelvis is performed in conjunction with a CT scan of the abdomen. This pelvic CT scan is performed in the radiology CT scan department. It is performed with the patient lying flat on a CT scan examination table attached to the scanning machine. For scanning purposes, the examination table slides inside the scanner, and the CT scanner passes over and around the patient to capture the picture. Once the scanning procedure is complete, the technologist slides you out of the machine.

If your procedure requires the involvement of contrast media, the technologist gives you the dye orally or through an IV line before the scanning procedure. The body takes around 60 minutes to absorb the contrast medium, which is why you need to wait for an hour before the procedure.

How long does it take to get a CT scan of the pelvis?

The pelvic CT scan takes about 15 to 30 minutes. When your doctor needs better clarity of the issues, then he prescribes a CECT pelvis scan, and the CT pelvis with contrast takes around 60 to 90 minutes.

What is the cost of a pelvic CT scan?

When it comes to the cost of a CT scan of the pelvis, then giving the exact information is a little bit tough. But the average cost ranges between Rs. 4500 and Rs. 6000. You can talk to any diagnostic centre in your area to know the exact price of a CT scan of the pelvis.

Conclusion

Dealing with pelvis issues effectively depends on the diagnosis of the problem and its cause. A CT scan of the pelvis is an imaging diagnostic procedure that is performed to detect problems in the pelvis area and improve the quality of your life.

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