The abdomen presents a unique challenge when making a medical diagnosis. It contains many vital organs of varying densities as well as muscle and bone. Exploratory surgery will allow a doctor to see what is going on inside, but also presents serious risks to the patient. A computed tomography scan offers medical professionals the ability to see inside the abdomen while minimizing patient risk. This means that any diagnosis is more accurate, allowing for better treatment and healthcare. Abdomen scans are very common for diagnosis and will only continue to be more so.
Information. A CT scan uses multiple X-rays to scan the abdomen, providing a series of two-dimensional cross section images. A computer will then turn these cross sections into a three-dimensional model of the patient’s abdomen. The CT scan is used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis when lab tests or a physical examination is inconclusive. Because this method is able to detect different tissue densities, it is a powerful tool for diagnosing and mapping tumors. When coupled with radioactive contrast dye, a CT scan can check how the digestive system is functioning and look for blockages in the intestines.