Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Abdominal and abdominopelvic CT scan
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Abdominal and abdominopelvic CT scan

Abdominopelvic CT scan in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Abdominal and abdominopelvic CT scan in Tunis: abdominal pain, appendicitis, diverticulitis, stones, assessment of a mass, often with injection.

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What is it?

An abdominal CT scan examines the organs of the abdomen: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bowel, blood vessels and lymph nodes. An abdominopelvic CT scan adds the lower abdomen (pelvis): bladder, uterus and ovaries or prostate, rectum. It is widely used to understand abdominal pain, particularly in emergencies (appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, kidney stone), to assess a mass found on ultrasound, or to look for a complication after surgery. An iodinated contrast injection is common. Depending on the question, you may be asked to drink a contrast liquid beforehand to show the digestive tract clearly. For a urinary stone, the scan is often done without injection and at a low dose.

When is it indicated?

Acute abdominal pain

It quickly looks for appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction or perforation.

Kidney or urinary tract stone

Without injection, it locates and measures a stone and checks whether urine is draining properly.

Assessment of a mass

It clarifies the likely nature of a mass in the liver, pancreas, kidney or pelvis seen on ultrasound.

Complication after surgery

It looks for an abscess, a fluid collection or bleeding.

Preparation

1Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be: a CT scan uses X-rays
2Remove belts, buckles, belly-button piercings and metal objects from the area
3If an injection is planned, tell us about any allergy (especially to an iodinated contrast agent), kidney disease, diabetes or myeloma; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
4Tell us if you take metformin (a diabetes treatment): whether to pause it around the injection is decided by the doctor
5If an injection is planned, do not eat for a few hours beforehand, as instructed when you book; your usual medicines can generally be taken with a little water
6You may be asked to drink a contrast liquid in the hour before, and sometimes to keep a full bladder, as instructed
7Bring your referral, previous imaging (CT scan, MRI, X-rays, ultrasound) and any relevant reports

Procedure

1

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area to be examined; a gown may be provided

2

You lie on your back with your arms raised above your head

3

You lie on a table that slides slowly through a wide, open ring: it is not a closed tunnel

4

If an injection is needed, the iodinated contrast agent is given through a small drip in your arm: a brief feeling of warmth and a metallic taste are normal

5

You are given breathing instructions (breathe in, hold your breath for a few seconds); you need to keep still during each pass

6

You can then return to your usual activities; after an injection, drink plenty of fluids during the day (unless your doctor advises otherwise) to help clear the contrast agent

Duration

About 10 to 20 minutes in total; longer if a contrast drink is planned beforehand

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

A CT scan uses X-rays: the dose is set as low as possible while still giving useful images, and the examination is only done when it is justified
Pregnancy: a relative contraindication; a CT scan is only performed if it is essential, after medical advice
Allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast agent (if injected): rare and usually mild (redness, itching); serious reactions are exceptional and the team is trained to manage them
In case of kidney failure, the iodinated injection can strain the kidneys: the doctor avoids or adjusts it
Rarely, the contrast agent can leak under the skin at the drip site: temporary swelling, easily managed

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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