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Wants To Do An Image Of Stomach I Might Have A Umbilical Hernia?
Question: My Dr is concerned that I might have a umbilical hernia. .... She wants to do an image of stomach. She is requesting cat scan with contrast. Are there other scan)ultra etc) that could work. I am a little concerned about radiation. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound scan and MRI scan can help in looking at an umbilical hernia
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
A small umbilical hernia can be well visualied on ultrasound scan. Large hernias need CT scan or MRI scan.
If an umbilical hernia is the only entity that is being looked for then I suggest an ultrasound scan and a MRI if needed. This will help know the problem without involving CT scan and radiation.
Regards,
Ultrasound scan and MRI scan can help in looking at an umbilical hernia
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
A small umbilical hernia can be well visualied on ultrasound scan. Large hernias need CT scan or MRI scan.
If an umbilical hernia is the only entity that is being looked for then I suggest an ultrasound scan and a MRI if needed. This will help know the problem without involving CT scan and radiation.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
When a person does get a cat-scan with oral contrast. How much time ‘prior’. To scan does a person take the contrast material? I adked my dr about ultrasound. .
Brief Answer:
The oral contrast can be started 1.5 hours before the scan in small amounts
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The oral contrast is usually taken mixed with juice and can be started 1.5 hours before the scan in small amounts and by the time the scan is done the contrast is in the distal part of the ileum. The intravenous contrast is given at the time of scan using a pressure injector. Rectal contrast is given if needed.
It is good to have the ultrasound before a CT or MRI scan.
Regards,
The oral contrast can be started 1.5 hours before the scan in small amounts
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The oral contrast is usually taken mixed with juice and can be started 1.5 hours before the scan in small amounts and by the time the scan is done the contrast is in the distal part of the ileum. The intravenous contrast is given at the time of scan using a pressure injector. Rectal contrast is given if needed.
It is good to have the ultrasound before a CT or MRI scan.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you . I am making an appointment for a second opinion.. there are many stand alone locations doing cat scans. One location says just to come in 45 minutes before the scan for the. ORAL. Contrast and this is enough time to do a scat scan with oral contrast to image the stomach. I am understanding that it takes more than. 45 minutes to do a car scan of stomach with ORAL. Contrast to look for an ulcer?...
Brief Answer:
Time for contrast in detection of stomach given as 45 minutes is acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The time for the contrast to enter the stomach is within 5 minutes and to fill the stomach can take another 5 minutes in a normal individual. So technically an ulcer in the stomach should be visualised in a 45 minutes post contrast CT scan. In this way if they have mentioned 45 minutes for ulcer detection then it is acceptable.
The challenges are visualisation of any problems in the small intestine, for which you need to give oral contrast early before the scan. In your case we are thinking of an umbilical hernia and any possible bowel problems in and around the umbilicus. To reach this part of the bowel, contrast needs to travel a longer distance and therefore the time gap should be longer and in the range of 1,5 hours for good small bowel contrast.
Regards,
Time for contrast in detection of stomach given as 45 minutes is acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The time for the contrast to enter the stomach is within 5 minutes and to fill the stomach can take another 5 minutes in a normal individual. So technically an ulcer in the stomach should be visualised in a 45 minutes post contrast CT scan. In this way if they have mentioned 45 minutes for ulcer detection then it is acceptable.
The challenges are visualisation of any problems in the small intestine, for which you need to give oral contrast early before the scan. In your case we are thinking of an umbilical hernia and any possible bowel problems in and around the umbilicus. To reach this part of the bowel, contrast needs to travel a longer distance and therefore the time gap should be longer and in the range of 1,5 hours for good small bowel contrast.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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