Possible risks CT colonography

 CT colonography is a very safe procedure. Your radiographer will tell you who to contact if you have any problems after your test. Your doctor will make sure the benefits of having a CT colonography outweigh the possible risks.

Some of the possible risks include:

Loss of body fluid (dehydration) 

Clearing the bowel can cause dehydration in some people. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids before and after your scan.

Effects of gastrografin

Gastrografin can make people feel or be sick. It may cause a mild rash but this is uncommon. Very rarely you can have an allergic reaction. If you feel ill or have problems breathing during the test, tell the radiographer straight away. 

Effects of contrast medium 

The injection of contrast medium might make you hot and flushed for a few minutes. You might get a metallic taste in your mouth. It is common to feel warmth like you are passing urine, but you are not. This feeling goes away quickly. 

Very rarely, people have a reaction to the contrast medium. If you feel ill or have problems breathing during the test, tell the radiographer straight away. 

Tummy (abdominal) pain 

You may have some bloating or pain in your abdomen after the test. This is due to the carbon dioxide or air put into the bowel. This should go away shortly afterwards. 

Tear in your bowel 

There is a small risk of a tear (perforation) in your bowel. This is very rare. If it happened you would often need surgery to repair the tear. 

Blurred vision 

The medicine used to relax your bowel wall might cause temporary blurred vision. You shouldn't drive for an hour or so or until your vision has returned to normal. Tell your radiographer if you have glaucoma or heart problems before you have medicine to relax your bowels. 

Radiation exposure 

CT scanners use x-rays to make images which use a small amount of radiation. Exposure to radiation during a CT scan can slightly increase your risk of developing cancer in the future. Talk to your doctor if this worries you.

You should not have CT colonography if there is a risk that you are pregnantclick here

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