Clinique Pasteur Tunis
CT urography (CT of the urinary tract)
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CT urography (CT of the urinary tract)

CT urography in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

CT urography in Tunis: CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder with an iodinated injection, for blood in the urine, stones or tumours.

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What is it?

CT urography is a CT scan of the kidneys and urinary tract: the collecting system of the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes between the kidneys and the bladder) and the bladder. It has replaced the older intravenous urogram. The examination is done in several passes: a first one without injection (for stones), then after an iodinated contrast injection, and a final pass a few minutes later, when the contrast agent is excreted by the kidneys and outlines the urinary tract. It is mainly requested for blood in the urine, to look for a complicated stone, a tumour of the urinary tract or a malformation, or before a urological procedure.

When is it indicated?

Blood in the urine (haematuria)

It looks for a cause in the kidneys, ureters or bladder: stone, tumour, malformation.

Complicated urinary stones

It shows where the stones are and how they affect the flow of urine.

Tumour of the urinary tract

It assesses or monitors a lesion of the kidney's collecting system, the ureter or the bladder.

Before a urological procedure

It gives the surgeon a precise map of the urinary tract.

Preparation

1Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be: a CT scan uses X-rays
2If 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
3Tell us if you take metformin (a diabetes treatment): whether to pause it around the injection is decided by the doctor
4If 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
5Drink water before the examination and arrive with a moderately full bladder, as instructed when you book
6Bring 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

A first pass is done without injection

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

One or more further passes follow, including a delayed one when the contrast fills the urinary tract: you sometimes wait a few minutes on the table

6

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

7

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 20 to 30 minutes in total, because of the successive passes

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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