Gastric CT Scan

This information leaflet has been produced to give you general information and hopes to answer most of your questions when requiring a Gastric CT scan. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

Please contact us prior to your scan if:

  •  You are, or might be, pregnant
  • You weigh more than 200kg or 31 stone

What is a CT scan?

CT stands for Computerised Tomography. It is a type of scan that uses a special x-ray machine to produce detailed pictures of your body. A Gastric CT scan specifically looks at your oesophagus- the long tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. These pictures are examined by a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading x-ray images) and will help us to diagnose if there are any problems.

The CT scanner is an open ring-like structure which resembles a giant doughnut. It is not a tunnel as some people might expect.

Can I bring a relative or friend?

Yes, but for reasons of safety they will not be able to accompany you into the CT scan room except in very special circumstances.

What do I need to wear?

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. If you wish to wear loose fitting clothing which does not have metal zips, buttons or bra clips, it may be possible to perform the scan without having to change your clothes.

You will also be required to remove earrings, hearing aids and metal dentures (false teeth).

Can I take my prescribed medicines as usual?

Unless specifically told otherwise by the CT appointments team or radiology nurses, you can continue to take all your usual medication. If possible, please drink three to four cups of clear fluid before you come for your scan. (If you have diabetes controlled by medication you may have a light snack two hours before your appointment).

What happens at the hospital before the scan?

When you arrive in the department you will be greeted by the reception team and a radiology assistant.

You will be given a jug of water which you will need to drink over 15 minutes before your scan. If you are unable or struggle to drink the water, please let a member of staff know.

What happens during the scan?

In the scan room the radiographer (member of the radiology team trained to carry out scans) will explain the CT examination to you and what to expect. You can ask any questions you may have. You will be given another two cups of water to drink.

You will be asked to lie on your back on the scanning table with your head on a square foam pillow. The scanning table will move your body through the ‘doughnut’ shaped hole (gantry) so that the relevant areas of your body can be scanned. You will need to lie very still while each picture is taken and you may be asked to hold your breath for a moment. We understand that some people have difficulty holding their breath – please tell us at the time if this is a problem for you. Straps and pillows may also be used to help maintain your position and keep you still during the examination.

The scanner is not noisy and the examination should not be painful. During the scan, the radiographer and the radiology assistant will be in a control room near the scanner. You will be able to talk to them on an intercom and you will be observed at all times.

Will I need an injection?

During the scan you may be given an injection of a muscle relaxant called Buscopan. This helps relax the muscles in your bowel walls. You may also be given an injection of x-ray dye (contrast). This dye highlights the blood vessels and body organs more clearly on the CT images. If you do need to have an injection of Buscopan or x-ray dye we will ask you a number of questions about your medical history.

The x-ray dye may give you a metallic taste in your mouth and a ‘hot-flush’. Some people feel as though they have an urgency to pass urine. All of these sensations pass in a couple of minutes. If you have any questions about this please ask a member of staff.

How long does the scan take?

The actual scan itself usually lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

We will try and keep to your appointment time but occasionally we have to scan patients urgently at short notice. This means your appointment could be delayed. We will let you know if this is the case.

Are there any risks?

As with x-rays, CT scans use radiation. The level of radiation is small, and the benefits of the scan are thought to outweigh any risks.

The Buscopan injection can make your mouth dry, vision blurred and increase your heart rate significantly. In very rare cases you may develop painful and red eyes, which is an indication of a pre-existing condition called narrow angle glaucoma.

The x-ray dye injection contains iodine which can cause an allergic reaction in a few people. You should tell the radiographer if you have had an allergic reaction to iodine or x-ray dye in the past or if you have any other allergies.

Very rarely the x-ray dye may cause kidney damage, most commonly in people known to have kidney problems. The risks will have been assessed by your doctor. Occasionally precautions may be taken prior to your scan and you will be informed of this by our CT appointments team or radiology nurses.

Rarely, after an injection, the x-ray dye can leak outside the vein and cause temporary swelling and discomfort in the arm requiring a cold compress. Very rarely a more extensive injury to the skin and soft tissue at the injection site can occur. This is unlikely to happen but if it does we will give you further instructions and advice.

Despite these slight risks, your doctor believes it is advisable that you should have this examination. Please bear in mind that there may be greater risks from missing a serious disorder by not having your scan.

What happens after the examination?

In most cases, as soon as the scan is finished you can go home, or back to the ward if you are staying in hospital. You should be able to drive home afterwards and resume normal activities. You can eat and drink as normal.

If you have had an x-ray dye injection, we will ask you to wait 15 minutes before you leave the CT Department. This is to ensure that you are feeling well after the injection. We will also advise you to slightly increase your fluid uptake for the rest of the day.

How do I find out the results of my scan?

The doctor who asked us to perform your test will receive your results, which is usually within seven days. The hospital will contact you with a follow-up outpatient appointment. If after three weeks they have not contacted you, please contact the hospital switchboard on (0191) 482 0000 and ask to speak to your consultant’s secretary.

Who do I contact if I have concerns?

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the CT Department on (0191) 445 2094.