Why are you having this procedure?

CT enterography is a special CT scan designed to look at the bowel and more specifically the small bowel. Often CT enterography to provide further diagnostic information for those who have had a normal colonoscopy but are still suffering gastric symptoms or discomfort.

Please notify us if you have;

•  any allergies, especially to intravenous iodine, contrast media or x-ray dye.

• type 1 diabetes or take insulin

•  think you may be pregnant

•  have an overactive thyroid gland

• ·if you have any kidney/renal function concerns.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

The only preparation is to be nil-by-mouth for four hours prior to this examination. This means nothing to eat or drink for this time.

No other preparation is required.

Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily dress in and out of, and remove all of your jewellery.

What does this procedure involve?

You will require a referral form from your GP or your Specialist to have this procedure.

You can bring this directly to Absolute Radiology, have this faxed or emailed to us.

We will then contact you and arrange an appointment time and date to have your scan completed.

Time taken for this procedure is approximately 1—1.5 hours.

When you arrive on the day of your scan we will ask you to complete a patient questionnaire and check all of your details are correct.

We will insert an IV line in your arm to give you special dye or contrast in your vein during your scan.

Soon after this we will give you some special fluid to drink that will highlight your bowel for this scan.

There is approximately 2 litres of fluid to drink in certain time frames (outlined in brochure), then a delay of 45 minutes to allow this fluid to flow through to your bowel prior to scanning.

Closer to the time of your scan you will be escorted to a change room and asked to change in to a gown.

The procedure

Once the time has elapsed we will take you through to the CT scanning room.

We will ask you to lie on your back with your hands above your head.

At this point we will connect your IV line to the contrast dye ready to be administered during your scan.

The actual scanning time is only about 3 minutes.

Once the scans have been completed, you are able to visit the bathroom, and get changed back to your clothes.

Fluid preparation

As mentioned the total volume of fluid for you to drink is 2 litres. You will need to start this approximately 60 minutes prior to your scanning appointment.

This is divided in half (1 litre amounts). 

• The first litre we ask you drink a cup every 5 minutes until completed.

•  The second litre volume is then consumed with 1 cup every 10 minutes.

Post procedure

Ensure that you continue to drink water for the remainder of the day to help flush through the contrast from your system.

You will also need to be mindful that a bathroom is near as you may experience increased frequency and/or urgency to visit the bathroom for the remainder of the day.

A formal report of your scan will be completed and sent on to the referrer of this scan and your GP.