Your CT Enterography and Aftercare

This leaflet contains information regarding your CT Enterography test and aftercare advice.

A CT Enterography is an X-ray examination. It is a type of scan which looks at the small intestine (bowel). You need to fast for 4 hours before having this test, however you can drink clear fluids in this time. When you arrive in the department, the radiographer will discuss the procedure with you and complete a health questionnaire.

In order to perform this test, you will be given a laxative drink before the test and will be in our department for around one hour in total.

When it is time for your scan, you will be asked to lie down on the CT table on your back. You will need to have some X-ray dye for your test and a trained member of staff will place a cannula (needle) into a vein in your arm.

You will also be given a medication to relax the muscles in your bowel, this is called hyoscine butylbromide. A member of staff will make sure you have no medical issues that would mean it is unsafe for you to have this injection.

Are there any side effects?

You are likely to experience some loose stools after the laxative drink we have given you.

The X-ray dye can make you feel warm when it is given and some patients also get a metallic taste in their mouth.

The hyoscine butylbromide injection can give you blurred vision and a dry mouth, this should settle before you leave the department. Rarely, if you have an undiagnosed eye condition, you may develop a red and sore itchy eye within 24 hours of the injection.

If this were to happen, we recommend you seek medical attention from your local eye emergency department. James Cook is the nearest to this Trust. You can take this information leaflet with you to show the staff what test you have had and what drugs you have been given.

Alternatively, you can inform them you have had an intravenous injection of hyoscine butylbromide or ‘Buscopan’ as it is more commonly known as.

Aftercare

Following your test, we recommend that you go to the toilet before leaving. The laxative drink may have begun to take effect and you are welcome to stay in the department until you feel ready to leave.

You can leave the department as soon as you feel well enough. You can resume eating and drinking after the test. A drink will be made for you if you would like one before leaving.

What to do if you are not feeling well after your procedure?

If you do not feel well after your test, please mention this to the radiographers who have performed your test.

If you do not feel well after leaving the department and have any new or worrying symptoms, you should seek medical advice from your own GP, 111 advice service, Urgent Care Centre or your local Accident and Emergency department.

Results

Once your scan has been reviewed by a doctor and a report has been made, the results will then be sent to the clinician who referred you for this test.

The results will then be discussed with you at your next appointment with the clinician who sent you for your test.

References

• BNF Hyoscine Butylbromide – https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/hyscine-butylbromide/

Contact Numbers

To discuss your test with a member of staff who will be performing the test, or to discuss any concerns post procedure, the following contact numbers can be used:

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

North Tees Radiology Department

Telephone:

Hartlepool Radiology Department

Telephone: 01429 522924

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]