What to expect after your CT Colonography examination

You can go back to eating and drinking as normal, and resume you normal daily activities. You should be aware that the bowel preparation that you took prior to your scan may still have a slight laxative effect after the test. You may also still feel some discomfort in your abdomen from the gas that was used this should pass quite quickly.

Please contact your GP or go to your nearest A&E if you feel unwell within the first 24/48 hours after your CT Colonography and take this form with you.

Buscopan

For your test, you may have had an injection of a drug called Buscopan to relax your bowel. This injection may have side effects which commonly include a dry mouth and slightly blurred vision. These effects are short lasting and should pass after 30 minutes. In rare cases, up to 24 hours after the muscle relaxing injection, some patients develop red painful eyes and blurred vision. If this occurs you need to see a doctor straight away.

Contrast

You may have been given an injection of contrast ‘dye’ into a vein to enhance your CT (Computed Tomography) scan. Contrast is commonly described as a ‘dye’ as it allows veins, arteries and internal organs to show up more clearly on scan images. Although it is described as a dye, contrast is actually colourless to the eye and is removed naturally from your body through your bladder when you go to the toilet. You should drink plenty of fluid for 48 hours after your scan to flush the ‘dye’ out of your system.

Your results

The report of your scan will be sent to the person who referred you for the test. They will contact you to arrange to get the results.

Contact us

If you have any problems or queries after your scan, please contact us at the site where you had your examination:

Cumberland Infirmary  - 01228 814681

West Cumberland Hospital - 01946 523966

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302