What is a CT of the Pelvis?

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the area between the hip bones. This part of the body is called the pelvic area.

Structures inside and near the pelvis include the bladder, prostate and other male reproductive organs, female reproductive organs, lymph nodes, and pelvic bones. Your doctor may order a CT of the pelvis to look at any of these structures.

Sometimes, your doctor may order a CT of the pelvis along with a CT of the abdomen to view the GI structures near your pelvic area.

Why do I need a Pelvic CT?

A pelvic CT is a useful tool for detecting a number of conditions, including:

Masses
Hernias
Unexplained weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Bowel obstructions
Crohn’s disease or Diverticulitis
Cancer
Abnormal bleeding
Bladder infections
Enlarged prostate
Issues with reproductive organs

How do I prepare for an Pelvic CT?

The medical staff will need to know if you have any metal (foreign or surgical) in your body, because CT uses ionizing radiation and metal may obscure certain anatomy.

If you’re wearing anything that contains metal that is in or around the area of concern, you will be asked to remove it.

Tell the medical staff if you’re pregnant. Radiation can potentially pose harm to the fetus. Your doctor will decide on a risk vs benefit basis whether you should have a CT when you are pregnant.

How is a CT performed?

Computed Tomography, also known at CT or cat scan, refers to a computerized x-ray imaging procedure. A narrow beam of x-rays is aimed at the patient and then rotated around them as they travel through the machine. These x-rays produce a signal processed by the machines computer to generate cross sectional images -or slices- of the body. A CT scan can be compared to looking at one slice of bread within a whole loaf.

Once the scanner acquires its images, it transmits them to the operator’s computer, where the data is prepared into a 2 dimensional image of the body part and displayed on the screen. From there, the technologist can create reconstructions of the images that help the radiologist better diagnose any abnormalities.

At times, your physician may request the exam include the use of contrast dye. This dye (iodinated) helps show certain structures more clearly. This dye is contraindicated if you have had an allergic reaction to it before, if you have decreased kidney function or are in renal failure, and if you have an allergy to iodine and/or shellfish. If you have a known contrast allergy, you should make sure to alert the doctor and technologist beforehand. Some medications can reduce reactions. This dye will sometimes make you feel hot and/or make you feel like you have wet yourself, but is usually just a warm pressure you may get for a few seconds, and quickly goes away. In most instances, the physician or imaging center will request that you abstain from eating or drinking for several hours prior to your exam.

What is a CT of the Pelvis?

How is a CT performed?

What happens after my CT?

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