Computer tomography of the kidneys. Training, feedback

In order to prescribe an effective treatment for any disease, it is necessary to diagnose as accurately and correctly as possible. With modern diagnostic methods, this is often not very difficult. This is especially important for conditions that are life-threatening for the patient. Diseases of the excretory system occur quite often. Without its normal operation, it is impossible to cleanse the body of harmful substances, so it is important to find the problem on time and get rid of it. The main method of diagnosis can be a computerized tomography of the kidneys, which will help to make an accurate diagnosis. We will get acquainted with this method of research in some detail.

The essence of tomography

This diagnostic procedure is based on the use of X-rays and the latest computer technology to obtain the image of the organ under investigation. If we compare this method with the X-ray, then we can state that CT is more informative.

During the investigation, the X-rays travel around the body, and all changes about their energy are transferred to the computer, which after the information conversion displays a two-dimensional image.

Varieties of tomography

Use tomography as a method of diagnosis began in the 20 th century. By now, the operating principle of the apparatus has changed. The following tomographs are now common:

• SCT - spiral tomography. It gives an opportunity to investigate the layered structure of the body in a few seconds.
• Multi-spiral computed tomography of kidneys is practiced in clinics in Moscow and not only. A distinctive feature of such devices is the presence of several detectors, and the number of revolutions of the X-ray tube is also increased .

To conduct the study can be with or without contrast medium. It is usually used in cases where it is necessary to obtain a clearer image of the organ under investigation.

What can be detected with CT

Kidney pathologies are serious enough diseases that require immediate intervention and effective treatment. Many states can not be recognized using conventional diagnostic procedures. Only after the computer tomography of the kidneys appeared, it became possible to diagnose such pathologies as:

• Congenital anomalies in the structure of the kidneys.
• Benign formations (eg, cyst).
• CT helps to identify problems with the excretory system even in newborn babies.
• Hydronephrosis at any stage of development.
• Cancerous tumors inside the kidneys.
• Pathological conditions caused by problems in the circulatory system, for example, infarction of the kidneys, thrombosis.
• Recognition of violations that appeared after trauma, surgical intervention.

All these deviations are easily determined by computed tomography, which allows the effective treatment to be scheduled in time.

Indications for CT

Check the work of the kidneys can be through many methods of diagnosis. First of all, these are laboratory tests that will immediately show deviations from the norm. When visiting a urologist, the direction to the described study is not always given, but the treating doctor will necessarily be assigned a computed tomography (CT) scan of the kidneys if:

1. The patient suffered a severe back injury.
2. There is an infectious disease of the kidneys in the chronic stage, which is accompanied by a violation of the organ.
3. There are congenital anomalies in the development of the urinary system.
4. There is a suspicion of the presence of stones in the kidneys or the excretory pathways.
5. All studies suggest that there is a tumor in the kidneys.
6. There is a suspicion of having a cyst.

Computer tomography of the kidneys allows you to monitor the stages of development of tumors, which makes it possible to take the necessary measures in time.

Contraindications to CT

Despite the fact that computed tomography is a completely painless procedure and does not pose a danger to a person, there are a number of contraindications for carrying it out:

• Do not prescribe tomography to pregnant women, especially in the second half of the term.
• During breastfeeding, CT is also not recommended.
• If the doctor in the patient's card sees a history of thyroid problems, the diagnosis is "diabetes mellitus at a serious stage," then tomography is prohibited.
• Contraindication to the procedure is skin cancer.
• Relative contraindication - body weight over 120 kg.
• Without urgent need, do not do CT for children under 14 years.
• If the patient does not feel well before the procedure, it is better to postpone it at a more appropriate time.

All these contraindications are relative, therefore, if CT is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis, the procedure is appointed.

Many people have a question: where to make a computerized tomography of the kidneys? Most medical centers have all the necessary equipment for this procedure. For example, in Moscow it can be done in such centers as:

• The multifield medical center "Stolitsa".
• Clinic "Center of Endosurgery and Lithotripsy".
• MDC Ramsey Diagnostics.
• Diagnostic Center "Clinic of Health" and many others. Other

How to prepare for the procedure?

If a computer tomography of kidneys is prescribed, special preparation is not required. You can ask the doctor any questions that interest you in connection with the upcoming procedure.

If a contrast medium is to be used, the patient must sign a special consent form, having carefully read it beforehand. Before conducting CT with contrast, it is advisable to refrain from eating for three hours before the procedure.

If there are different forms of allergies or other diseases and pathological conditions at the moment, it is also necessary to inform the doctor about it.

You can always ask your doctor how to prepare for a CT scan of the kidneys.

Computer tomography

If everything is ready, the questions are cleared up, then we can start the procedure itself. It includes several stages:

1. The patient must remove all metal objects from himself.
2. A person should be in spacious clothes. If the patient does not have one, he is asked to wear a bathrobe.
3. The examinee lies on the table, which will move into the tomograph ring.
4. Control the apparatus from the next room, but the patient is under full control.
5. Computed tomography of the kidneys (photo shows it) involves the exclusion of any movement during the procedure. This distorts the image in the pictures.
6. After the appropriate specialist team, the patient should hold his breath.
7. When using a contrast medium, it is injected through the injector or drunk.
8. Then the device turns on, and the tomograph ring begins to rotate around the patient. At this time, you can hear some sounds.
9. The body "absorbs" the X-rays, and this is fixed by the sensors of the device, and then the information is processed by the computer. The result is a picture that specialists are interested in.
10. After completing the procedure, the examinee waits for some time while the quality of the received pictures is studied. If they have a fuzzy image, then you have to repeat everything.

The time of the whole procedure is a few minutes, if without contrast. And up to half an hour, if a special substance was used.

After the procedure

Computer tomography of the kidneys reviews in most cases is good. Some patients note if a contrast agent was used, that itching, small swelling or shortness of breath may occur. All this must be reported to the doctor. In the place of the IV infusion, pain can also be felt or redness may appear, but all this quickly passes.

After completion of the procedure, special monitoring is not required, the patient can lead a habitual way of life.

Possible complications during and after tomography

It is always possible to find out from the doctor what the radiation load on the body is during the procedure, and also about possible undesirable consequences. Usually complications associated with radiation arise and are dangerous if the patient passes a lot of studies related to radiation diagnosis.

To develop the fetus proceeded normally, you can not pass CT scan during pregnancy. Necessarily the attending physician should know that the woman is in position.

The accuracy of the image during computed tomography may be affected by several factors:

• Metal objects in the organs of the abdominal cavity, for example, surgical clamps. We must report this to a specialist.
• Radiography using barium before CT.
• There have been recent studies using contrasting or other substances.

All this is discussed beforehand with a doctor and a specialist who conducts a tomography scan, and the question is decided on an individual basis in each case.

Results of the study

As soon as the computer tomography of the kidneys is completed, the specialist will evaluate the results. A full imprisonment usually takes about 1.5 hours. It is possible to record the results on a disk and give it to the patient.

It is clear that everyone will have their own result - who have completely healthy organs, and who has some pathologies. Based on computed tomography, the attending physician can prescribe adequate treatment, which will give positive results.

For effective treatment of any disease it is very important not only on time, but also accurately diagnose. Computed tomography provides an excellent opportunity to do this quickly and safely for the patient. Do not be afraid of such procedures, it is better to identify all problems in time and solve them. Take care of yourself and your health!