What is a CT (CAT) scan?

CT stands for computed tomography. It is an imaging study that is used to visualize the separate organs and structures inside the body.

What is CT Enterography?

CT Enterography combines a CT scan with large volumes of oral contrast to image the small bowel. This can help your health care provider determine a diagnosis and potential therapies that may be used in your treatment.

What will I experience?

After you arrive, you will have a brief discussion with the CT technologist and an IV will be started in a vein in your arm. You will be asked to begin drinking an oral contrast material (barium) in timed intervals. Once this is complete, you will begin your exam by lying on the CT scan table with your arms resting above your head. You will then be given contrast material through the IV line that was placed earlier. You may feel a brief warm sensation after the contrast material is injected. You will be asked to hold your breath for the 20-30 seconds that the actual scan takes. The table moves slowly through the ring-shaped CT scanner as the images are taken.

Immediately after the scan, a technologist will give you some juice to drink. We recommend that you have a snack/meal as soon as possible after the exam, since it will have been a considerable time since you have eaten solid food.

How should I prepare for the test?

You will have a clear liquid diet for 12 hours prior to your scheduled examination time. For this reason, most people prefer to schedule this test in the morning.

How long does the test take?

You will check in 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to your scheduled examination time to register and begin drinking the barium. The CT scan portion of the examination takes approximately 20 minutes.

What should I do after the procedure?

• You will be monitored briefly following the examination and your IV will be removed 10-15 minutes after the exam.
• Resume all of your previous medications.
• Your CT images will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist, and the findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results.
  

CT Enterography is available at: Coon Rapids