A computerized tomography (CT) scan, which may also be referred to as a CAT scan, is scan which uses a series of X-rays to create detailed images of the body. The scan is performed to create images of the inside of the body, including bones, internal organs, and blood vessels. The scan can help to determine if there are tumors inside of the body and is sometimes combined with a PET (positron emission tomography) scan, and the combined scan is known as a PET-CT scan.

There are a variety of different types of CT scans which can be performed such as abdominal CT or cranial CT scan, and some CT scans may require the use of contrast material to be administered, in order to create more detailed images. The procedure is pain free and requires the patient to lie as still as possible on a bed, which is connected to the CT scanner, as the machine rotates around the body taking images. These images are then processed a few days later and the doctor will discuss the results at a follow up consultation. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . The CT scan is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients can leave after the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 3 - 7 weeks.

Patients will need to attend a follow up consultation once the results are processed. Number of trips abroad needed 1. CT scans are performed to examine various areas of the body to make a diagnosis or to devise a treatment plan. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . The CT scan is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients can leave after the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 3 - 7 weeks. Patients will need to attend a follow up consultation once the results are processed. Number of trips abroad needed 1. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . The CT scan is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients can leave after the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 3 - 7 weeks. Patients will need to attend a follow up consultation once the results are processed. Number of trips abroad needed 1. CT scans are performed to examine various areas of the body to make a diagnosis or to devise a treatment plan.,

Ahead of the procedure, patients may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking in the hours before the scan. Patients should wear loose fitting clothing and remove jewelry or piercings ahead of the procedure.

Depending on which part of the body is being scanned, the patient may be asked to remove their clothing and to wear a hospital gown before the scanning begins.,

Depending on which part of the body is being scanned, a contrast material may be given to highlight and create clearer images of the body part which is being scanned. How the contrast material is administered, depends on the area which is being scanned. Patients who are having their esophagus or abdomen examined will be given the contrast material in liquid form which is swallowed. For those having areas such as gallbladder or urinary tract examined, the contrast material is injected into a vein in the arm. Patients who are having intestines examined, will be given the contrast material via an enema. Not all scans require the contrast material. The patient is then asked to lie on a bed which is attached to the CT machine and to lie as still as possible.

At the top of the machine, there is a circle, through which the bed moves. If the patient does not lie still, it can distort the images. The bed will move through the hole in the machine, rotating the circular piece as it takes the images. The machine may make a lot of noises as it rotates and moves around the body, taking images. Should there be any discomfort, this can be communicated to the radiologist who can be seen in the adjoining room via a window. Once the images are taken, the patient is usually then free to leave. The images are then processed by a machine and the radiologist and doctor will interpret the images.

The patient will usually attend a follow up consultation a few days later, to discuss the scan results. Materials Contrast material Procedure duration The CT Scan (Computed Tomography) takes 30 to 60 minutes. The patient will lie on a bed attached to the machine, which will pass through the machine to take images of the body.,

Post procedure care Patients who receive the contrast material may need to wait for a while after the procedure if they are feeling unwell.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water and fluids to help the body to flush out the contrast material. Possible discomfort Patients may feel bloated after receiving the contrast material.,