Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis
Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scan in Casablanca
An abdominal and pelvic CT scan examines the abdomen and the pelvis: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bowel, bladder and internal reproductive organs. When only the lower part is requested, it is called a pelvic CT scan. Most often performed with an iodinated contrast injection, it helps find the cause of abdominal pain, look for an infection or study a mass found on another exam.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam on the table takes 10 minutes at most, not counting any drinking time beforehand.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
When is this exam needed?
- Acute abdominal pain, for example to look for appendicitis or diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the colon).
- Suspected complication after abdominal surgery.
- Mass or abnormality seen on ultrasound (liver, kidney, pancreas, ovary) that needs to be clarified.
- Search for a urinary stone, sometimes without injection.
- Suspected bowel obstruction.
- Assessment or follow-up of a digestive or pelvic tumor.
How the exam is done
Depending on the indication, you may be asked to drink water or a diluted contrast agent during the hour before the exam, in small glasses, to outline the stomach and bowel. A catheter is placed in a vein in your arm if an injection is planned.
You lie on your back with your arms raised above your head, and the table moves through the ring of the machine without touching you. The iodinated contrast agent, injected during the scan, causes a feeling of warmth throughout the body that fades quickly. Images are taken during a short breath-hold: breathe normally between instructions. For some medical questions, especially in the pelvis, you may be asked to keep your bladder full, or a product may be introduced through the rectum.
Preparation
- Arrive with a full bladder if you have been given this instruction.
- Remove your belt, belly button piercing and any metal object from the abdomen.
- Bring your recent abdominal or pelvic ultrasound scans.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
The iodinated contrast injection is given in a vein in the arm in most cases. It can be avoided, for example when simply looking for a urinary stone. A contrast drink or a contrast enema is sometimes added to the exam.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Thyroid disease, to be reported before iodine is given.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the referring doctor
- Previous ultrasound, CT or MRI scans of the abdomen
- Recent creatinine test
- Surgical report if you have recently had abdominal surgery
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of the abdominal and pelvic CT scan depends on the extent of the area examined (abdomen and pelvis, with or without the chest) and on the iodinated contrast injection, given in most cases.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why drink a liquid before the CT scan?
The drink, water or diluted contrast agent, fills the stomach and the loops of the bowel. It helps tell them apart from a lymph node or a collection (a pocket of fluid). It is not useful for every indication: the radiologist decides based on the question asked by your doctor.
What is the difference between an abdominal and pelvic CT scan and a pelvic CT scan?
A pelvic CT scan is limited to the pelvis: bladder, rectum, uterus and ovaries or prostate, and the pelvic bones. An abdominal and pelvic CT scan starts higher, just below the diaphragm, and includes the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. The choice depends on your symptoms and the prescription.
Isn't an ultrasound enough?
Ultrasound is often the first exam of the abdomen, with no X-rays. However, it can be hindered by bowel gas or a large body build. A CT scan gives a more complete overall view, which helps in case of acute pain, a suspected complication or the assessment of a mass.
What should I do if the pain gets worse before the appointment?
A scheduled CT scan does not replace an emergency consultation. If the pain becomes severe, or comes with fever, vomiting or no passing of gas or stools, contact your doctor or go to the emergency department without waiting for the scheduled date.
Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scan in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of the abdominal and pelvic CT scan depends on the extent of the area examined (abdomen and pelvis, with or without the chest) and on the iodinated contrast injection, given in most cases. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.