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Computed tomography of the pelvic organs in women is a modernized version of scanning the internal organs by layering images. The technology is implemented using X-ray radiation, the power of which is much lower than that offered by a typical X-ray machine.
All images obtained by special sensors that record data obtained by emitting X-rays and passing them through tissues of various densities are immediately transferred to the main computer, where they are assembled into a single whole. The resulting three-dimensional picture will allow a qualitative assessment of the state of not only the internal organs that are located in the pelvic area, but also the tissues closest to them, as well as blood vessels. Thanks to such a detailed picture, it is possible to study the situation as a whole and recognize pathologies that are just beginning to emerge.
General perception and stereotypes
CT scan of the pelvic organs in women is usually prescribed by gynecologists. But in some cases, urologists and even endocrinologists cannot do without its results.
Non-medical people mistakenly believe that a CT scan can be replaced by an alternative x-ray or a simple ultrasound. And although these two options will cost less, they will not be able to give as many answers to questions about the changes available, so the price here is not the most important thing.
Another stereotype is related to the fact that this kind of examination is harmful to the body. In fact, the dose of its radioactive exposure is relatively small, which makes the study practically safe. The only exception is the period of pregnancy due to the possible negative impact on the fetus and its development.
Also, caution should be shown to those people who, in a short period of time, were examined several times in a row, and its volume was quite large. Such patients are at risk of complications, but due to the fact that sometimes the benefits of the information received are greater than the possible harm, doctors allow such exceptions.
Another stereotype concerns the need to use the stage of contrasting. First, they are not assigned to everyone. Secondly, a very small percentage of people are allergic to the components of the active substance.
Typically, these drugs are based on iodine. If the patient is allergic to its trace element in its pure form, or to seafood, he must instruct the attending physician in advance. In this case, he will definitely undergo a preliminary allergic test.
All the information obtained through scanning on new generation equipment makes it possible to identify the pathology of not only internal organs, but also the surrounding tissues, bone structures, and even changes in the lymphatic system, which is quite problematic to obtain by another diagnostic method.
When is an appointment required?
Computed tomography perfectly assesses the condition of not only the reproductive female organs. It can be used to explore:
- bladder;
- urinary tract;
- ovaries;
- uterus;
- fallopian tubes;
- vagina;
- part of the intestine
- the area just behind the uterus (the pouch of Douglas).
The reasons for the examination may be injuries that have affected the small pelvis. If it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis, it is also desirable to attach the results of an identical examination of the kidneys and abdominal cavity to the results of tomography of the small pelvis.
Among other main reasons that prompt the attending physician to send the ward to undergo such a study, the following problems and diseases are distinguished:
- accumulation of blood or any other fluid in the pelvis;
- inflammatory processes like salpingo-oophoritis;
- dysfunction of the pelvic organs;
- pain in the lower abdomen of unknown etiology;
- menstrual irregularities for no apparent reason;
- ovarian cysts;
- abscesses;
- neoplasms of a malignant and benign nature;
- metastases in the lymph nodes;
- tumors that grow into organs and bones;
- preparation for a planned operation;
- congenital or acquired anomalies.
Various acute surgical pathologies are also added here. A striking example of this is rupture of the ovary or torsion of the cyst legs. And the results obtained will then become a significant help for a guideline during an emergency surgical intervention.
Against the background of the above, it becomes clear that CT can detect not only serious visible injuries, such as fractures of any severity. Tomography helps to deal with hematomas and internal hemorrhages, which are quite problematic to diagnose.
Also, CT is very informative for detecting foci of the inflammatory process, even when it comes to the initial stages of endometritis or myometritis. Soft tissue defects are also included in the list of what can be seen in the picture.
Due to the fact that the visualization is as detailed as possible, it makes it possible to identify the disease at the initial stage of its development, which is especially important for cancer patients.
Among other diseases that can be diagnosed on the basis of data obtained from CT, there are:
- polyps and cysts of the rectum;
- urethral fistula;
- deviations in the structure of the genital organs;
- cancerous uterine tumors;
- neoplasms in the urethra or bladder.
And with the involvement of other analyzes and taking into account hereditary predisposition, it will even be possible to find foci of diseases that have a genetic predisposition and may not make themselves felt for the time being.
Contraindications for examination
In addition to pregnancy and an allergic reaction, there are no other serious contraindications for the use of computer diagnostics. Even women during lactation can undergo such a study if, after the procedure with the participation of a contrast solution, refrain from breastfeeding for 2-3 days.
Relative contraindications include:
- heart failure;
- renal failure;
- liver failure;
- mental disorders;
- coma;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- diabetes.
But all of the above refers to risks that are not an absolute obstacle to this diagnosis. This means that an examination may still be recommended if the benefit of the result is greater than the possible harm.
Separately, situations with obese patients are considered. Typically, a contraindication for scanning involves a weight limit of 150 kilograms. But here it all depends on the specific model of the equipment itself. There are some variations where the weight limit is reduced to 120 kilograms.
How to properly prepare?
Features of preparation directly depend on whether the patient needs a contrast stage. If it is not provided by default, then significant restrictions are not set. The patient will simply be required to pre-cleanse the intestines from food debris and gas accumulations. To do this, it is enough to put an enema at home, or take a special pharmacy laxative.
The bladder should be left only half full.
An allergic test is carried out in advance if the direction provides for a study with contrast. You also need to follow a specific diet. We are talking about the complete exclusion of foods that increase gas formation in the intestines, which significantly impairs visualization.
It is also necessary to ensure that the menu does not include ingredients that provoke constipation. And before the procedure itself, you need to make sure that the intestines are empty. Otherwise, the overall image may be fuzzy and uninformative, which may require retesting.
For the convenience of patients, computer diagnostics of the small pelvis in women is carried out in the early hours. This is explained by the fact that eight hours before the start of the manipulation, women are forbidden to eat. And somewhere an hour before the start, you should drink about a liter of ordinary water.
Before lying down on the couch, the X-ray technologist will definitely remind you to remove all metal objects, including the hearing aid, from yourself.
CT with and without contrast
The whole procedure is carried out in a horizontal position. In this case, the woman must remain completely motionless at the time of scanning. Since it is difficult for some to maintain the same posture for a long period of time, laboratory assistants often fix the patient’s body with auxiliary straps. And for the convenience of a long wait, a roller is placed under the head.
After that, the medical couch is sent to the tomograph tunnel, where a ring with detectors will rotate around the mobile bed. Inside the arch there are sensors that transmit X-ray beams. Based on the indicators of their penetration into the tissue, an image is created.
Since there are a lot of pictures taken, they are superimposed on each other, so that later they can be assembled into a single projection. Sometimes the laboratory technician will ask the patient to hold her breath, which is quite normal. Also within the normal range is the “buzzing” of the device itself, which initially frightens children or those people who suffer from fear of closed spaces.
During the scanning process and when collecting all the transverse-type sections into a common image, the patient herself will not experience any pain. The only exception is the stage of contrasting, which, although not painful in itself, can have unpleasant consequences.
The stage of contrasting is not prescribed for everyone, but only if there is a suspicion of the presence of possible malignant neoplasms. The drug is administered intravenously. One injection contains approximately 20 mg of iodine, but the laboratory assistant will give a more accurate figure based on the patient’s weight.
After entering the bloodstream, it quickly spreads throughout the body, staining tissues penetrated by a large number of blood vessels, which is very characteristic of tumors.
The problem at this stage occurs in one case, if an allergy test was not previously carried out and an allergic reaction to the components of the contrast agent occurred. For some people, the injection site may become red, rash, and itchy, even if they are not allergic to iodine.
It is quite acceptable if immediately after the administration of the drug and a couple of hours later, a woman experiences nausea and headache. To quickly get rid of unpleasant side effects, just drink more liquid. This will allow the kidneys to more quickly remove the contrast components naturally.