What are the key differences between CT scans and endoscopies. How do these diagnostic procedures work. Which one is better for specific medical conditions. What are the risks and benefits of CT scans versus endoscopies.

Understanding CT Scans: A Non-Invasive Imaging Technique

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool used in modern medicine. These scans use X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures. CT scans are particularly useful for examining bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels.

How CT Scans Work

During a CT scan, the patient lies on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped machine. As the table moves, the X-ray tube rotates around the body, taking multiple images from different angles. These images are then processed by a computer to create detailed 3D representations of the body’s internal structures.

Applications of CT Scans

• Detecting tumors or abnormal growths
• Diagnosing bone and joint problems
• Identifying internal injuries after trauma
• Guiding medical procedures such as biopsies
• Monitoring the progression of certain diseases

Can CT scans detect all types of medical conditions. While CT scans are highly effective for many diagnostic purposes, they may not be the best choice for examining soft tissues in detail or for conditions affecting the digestive tract’s lining. In such cases, an endoscopy might be more appropriate.

Exploring Endoscopy: An Invasive Yet Precise Diagnostic Method

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the interior of organs or cavities within the body. Unlike CT scans, endoscopies are invasive procedures that involve inserting a long, thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope) into the body.

Types of Endoscopic Procedures

1. Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine
2. Colonoscopy: Examines the large intestine and rectum
3. Bronchoscopy: Examines the airways in the lungs
4. Arthroscopy: Examines joints
5. Laparoscopy: Examines abdominal or pelvic organs

Is endoscopy painful. While endoscopy is more invasive than a CT scan, patients are typically sedated or given local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The level of sedation can vary depending on the type of endoscopy and patient preferences.

Comparing the Benefits: CT Scan vs Endoscopy

Both CT scans and endoscopies have their unique advantages. Understanding these can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about which diagnostic procedure is most appropriate for a given situation.

Advantages of CT Scans

• Non-invasive procedure
• Quick and painless
• Provides detailed images of bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels
• Can detect a wide range of conditions
• Useful for emergency situations, such as detecting internal injuries

Advantages of Endoscopy

• Allows direct visualization of internal organs
• Can detect small abnormalities that might not show up on imaging tests
• Enables immediate biopsy if necessary
• Can be both diagnostic and therapeutic (e.g., removing polyps during a colonoscopy)
• Provides color images and video for detailed examination

Does the choice between CT scan and endoscopy depend on the specific medical condition. Absolutely. The decision often depends on the symptoms, suspected condition, and the area of the body that needs examination.

Risks and Considerations: CT Scan vs Endoscopy

While both procedures are generally safe, they do come with some risks and considerations that patients should be aware of.

Risks Associated with CT Scans

• Exposure to ionizing radiation (though the risk is generally low)
• Potential allergic reactions to contrast dye (if used)
• False positives or negatives, potentially leading to unnecessary follow-up procedures or missed diagnoses

Risks Associated with Endoscopy

• Bleeding, especially if a biopsy is performed
• Infection
• Perforation of the organ being examined (rare but serious)
• Adverse reactions to sedation
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing (for upper endoscopies)

Are there any contraindications for CT scans or endoscopies. Yes, certain medical conditions or circumstances may make one procedure more suitable than the other. For instance, pregnant women are generally advised to avoid CT scans due to radiation exposure, while individuals with severe bleeding disorders might be at higher risk during endoscopic procedures.

Preparing for CT Scans and Endoscopies: What Patients Need to Know

Proper preparation is crucial for both CT scans and endoscopies to ensure accurate results and minimize risks. The specific preparation requirements can vary depending on the type of scan or endoscopy being performed.

Preparing for a CT Scan

• Inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, especially if you have diabetes
• Remove metal objects such as jewelry, dentures, or hearing aids
• Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan if contrast dye will be used
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Preparing for an Endoscopy

• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding fasting before the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the endoscopy, as sedation is typically used
• Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including blood thinners
• Discuss any allergies or medical conditions with your healthcare provider

How long do patients need to fast before an endoscopy. The fasting period can vary depending on the type of endoscopy, but it’s typically between 6 to 8 hours for upper endoscopies and longer for colonoscopies. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Interpreting Results: CT Scan vs Endoscopy

Understanding how results are interpreted and what they mean is crucial for patients undergoing either CT scans or endoscopies. Both procedures provide valuable diagnostic information, but the way this information is presented and analyzed differs.

CT Scan Results

CT scan results are typically interpreted by radiologists who specialize in reading these types of images. They look for any abnormalities in the size, shape, or density of organs and tissues. The findings are then compiled into a report that is sent to the referring physician.

• Results are usually available within a few days
• Images can be stored digitally and compared with future scans
• Findings may require further investigation or follow-up imaging

Endoscopy Results

Endoscopy results are often immediate, as the physician performing the procedure can visualize the internal structures in real-time. However, if biopsies are taken, these results may take several days to process.

• Visual findings are documented during the procedure
• Photographs or videos may be taken for further review
• Biopsy results provide definitive diagnosis of certain conditions

How accurate are CT scans and endoscopies in detecting abnormalities. Both procedures are highly accurate, but they have different strengths. CT scans excel at detecting structural abnormalities, while endoscopies are superior for examining the surface of organs and taking tissue samples.

Cost Considerations: CT Scan vs Endoscopy

The cost of medical procedures is an important factor for many patients. Understanding the potential expenses associated with CT scans and endoscopies can help in making informed decisions about healthcare.

CT Scan Costs

CT scan costs can vary widely depending on the part of the body being scanned, whether contrast is used, and the healthcare facility performing the scan. In general:

• CT scans are typically less expensive than endoscopies
• Costs may range from $500 to $3,000 or more without insurance
• Insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses

Endoscopy Costs

Endoscopy costs tend to be higher due to the invasive nature of the procedure and the need for sedation. Factors affecting the cost include:

• Type of endoscopy (e.g., upper endoscopy vs. colonoscopy)
• Facility fees (hospital vs. outpatient center)
• Anesthesia costs
• Additional procedures performed during the endoscopy (e.g., biopsies)

Are there ways to reduce the costs of CT scans or endoscopies. Yes, patients can explore options such as choosing outpatient facilities, comparing prices at different healthcare providers, and discussing payment plans or financial assistance programs with their healthcare providers.

Future Developments: Advancements in Diagnostic Imaging and Endoscopy

The fields of diagnostic imaging and endoscopy are constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed to improve accuracy, reduce risks, and enhance patient comfort. Understanding these advancements can provide insight into the future of medical diagnostics.

Emerging Technologies in CT Scanning

• Dual-energy CT: Provides more detailed information about tissue composition
• Photon-counting CT: Offers higher resolution images with lower radiation doses
• AI-assisted image analysis: Improves detection of subtle abnormalities

Innovations in Endoscopy

• Capsule endoscopy: Allows examination of the small intestine using a swallowable camera
• Confocal laser endomicroscopy: Provides microscopic images of living tissues
• Robotic-assisted endoscopy: Enhances precision and control during procedures

How will these advancements impact patient care. These innovations have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce procedure times, and minimize patient discomfort. They may also lead to earlier detection of diseases and more personalized treatment plans.

In conclusion, both CT scans and endoscopies play crucial roles in modern medical diagnostics. While CT scans offer non-invasive imaging of internal structures, endoscopies provide direct visualization and the ability to perform biopsies. The choice between these procedures depends on the specific medical condition, patient factors, and the area of the body being examined. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more precise and patient-friendly diagnostic options in the future.

Upper endoscopy

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by

Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.

This page was reviewed on March 3, 2022.

Your upper digestive tract consists of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum, which is where your small intestine starts. Sometimes, it’s necessary for doctors to examine the lining of your upper digestive tract. An upper endoscopy may be the best way to see it.

Your doctor may refer to an upper endoscopy as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD. They are the same procedure. Another term that may be used for it is gastroscopy.

During an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and small video camera is inserted into your mouth and threaded down your throat into your esophagus and stomach until it reaches your small intestine.

Why you may need an upper endoscopy

• Investigate why you’re experiencing symptoms such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, fullness that comes on quickly, bloody vomit or cough, or unexplained weight loss
• Examine an abnormal area seen on another imaging test such as an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan 
• Take biopsy samples of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine, and determine whether cancer is present
• Treat a blockage in your digestive tract or other issues caused by a tumor
• Monitor how well your cancer treatment is working

Six ways to prepare for an upper endoscopy

• Before your procedure, be sure to remove your watch or other jewelry. If you wear dentures, you must remove them too.
• Tell your care team about any medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements, and whether you are allergic to any medicines.
• If you take a blood thinner, you may be asked to stop a few days before the procedure. This includes baby aspirin.
• Don’t eat or drink for six to eight hours before your upper endoscopy.
• This test is done under a sedative to help keep you comfortable. Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
• Be sure to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.

What happens during an upper endoscopy

The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

First, your throat is sprayed with numbing medicine. Or, you may be asked to gargle with a liquid that numbs the throat.

Next, you’ll be asked to lie on your left side on the examination table and given a sedative. Some sedatives keep you drowsy but awake. If necessary, your doctor may perform your upper endoscopy under general anesthesia. Speak with your doctor about which option is best for you.

A mouthpiece is placed to keep your mouth open during the procedure.

The scope is guided down your throat as far as the start of your small intestine. Doctors are able to see images of your digestive tract and to examine specific areas of concern. They can take color photographs for further review.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to pump air into your stomach so the images are easier to see.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes to a half hour.

You will be observed for a while to make sure you’re OK and until the sedative wears off. You should be able to go home after a few hours. In rare cases, some people may stay in the hospital overnight.

Benefits and risks of upper endoscopy

An upper endoscopy provides better detail than a CT scan or an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, which uses X-rays.

However, there are some risks to consider. These include:

• If you had a biopsy as part of your procedure, you may experience bleeding at the site.
• Your mouth and throat may be numb for a couple of hours. You may be hoarse or cough for a couple of days afterward.
• Some people react to the sedative with breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and a slow heartbeat. Or, you may have a reaction to the anesthesia.
• A perforation could occur in the lining of your digestive tract during the procedure and require surgery.
• It’s possible to develop an infection.

If you have any symptoms that are unexplained, including bleeding that doesn’t stop, call your doctor’s office and ask what you should do.

When you can expect results

Results typically take a few days. If you had a biopsy during the procedure, the results may take a little longer. The samples that were taken need to be studied in a pathology laboratory.

Your doctors should follow up with you once the results are available. The results can help guide your treatment.

CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy: All You Need To Know

Medical tests can get confusing if you want to know the in-depth details. If you are curious like I am, you might have scratched your head several times trying to figure out the topic: CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy. No need to scratch your head anymore, as you will find out the facts that lie within.

CT scan and endoscopy are basic medical tests that physicians suggest for advanced diagnosis. To simply state, computerized tomography scan or CT scan uses X-Ray to generate images of your internal organs like your heart, brain, and more.

On the other hand, the top surface of the gastrointestinal tract is imaged using an endoscopy. The method uses a long tube with a camera at the end, known as an endoscope. Hence, the name endoscopy.

To know more about CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy, read the rest.

What Is A CT Scan?

The computerized tomography scan is a wonder of modern medical science. Doctors nowadays widely use the method to diagnose some of the most hard-to-find diseases. CT scan uses an X-Ray to produce images of your internal organs without any direct physical contact. 

How Does CT Scan Work?

CT scan takes a series of pictures of your body using its efficient X-Ray imagery system. The images are taken from different angles and then processed with a computer. The result is a high-quality image of the slice of your organ, also known as a cross-sectional image.

Doctors then can analyze the high-quality image to the deepest level to figure out the problems. 

When To Do A CT Scan?

Doctors suggest a CT scan for a wide range of objectives. One primary aim is to locate internal injuries, challenging to detect from the outside.

A CT scan can quickly investigate almost any part of your body from the inside. The reason for performing a CT scan includes-

• Locating bone cracks
• Spotting a tumor
• Guiding radiation therapy
• Investigating internal bleeding or injuries
• Verifying treatment effects
• Monitoring severe diseases like cancers

Getting Ready For A Ct Scan

CT scan is a quick and effective method of diagnosis. However, before going through the scan, you will need some previous preparations.

As the scanning includes using an X-Ray, you should not have any metal object with you while scanning. In addition, avoid heavy clothing.

In most cases, hospitals prefer wearing their gown.

Moreover, you should not eat or drink anything before the diagnosis process – usually for a couple of hours.

What Is An Endoscopy?

CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy: Before diving deeper, let’s get to know the endoscopy a bit.

Like the CT scan, the Endoscopy is also an effective way to diagnose diseases inside your body. The method uses a particular instrument called an Endoscope to create images of your internal body.

Endoscopy also requires some preparation – no eating or drinking before the test. Even after the test, you may not have any appetite for food.

How Does Endoscopy work?

Endoscopy requires an instrument, an endoscope, to perform the test.

An Endoscope is a long tube with a camera fit at its end. The tube is flexible enough to curve and make its way inside your body to its desired destination.

The camera, which also uses an illumination system, renders the image of your internals to a monitor where your doctor can see if something is wrong or not. 

Doctors can insert the endoscope through your mouth or rectum, depending on your condition and diagnosis.

Nowadays, many hospitals use a wireless capsule endoscopy for advanced diagnosis. You have to swallow a capsule with a built-in camera in this process. Like any other tablet you intake, the capsule travels inside you and sends images to computers for examination.

The capsule is safe and efficient to use. However, you may ask how much does a capsule endoscopy cost? It costs you about 500$ excluding all the other additional costs.

When Would The Doctor Recommend An Endoscopy?

Your doctor may suggest an Endoscopy if he suspects an internal anomaly. Some common symptoms to investigate are:

• Severe stomach ache
• Facing frequent diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Anomaly in your rectum
• Blood in your stool

Endoscopy has several names, depending on your diagnosis. If your doctor examines the intestine, stomach, or even the food pipe needs, It’s a gastroscopy.

If the doctor checks your colon, your doctor would recommend a colonoscopy. 

Preparation For An Endoscopy

Like any other test, an Endoscopy needs preparations.

Your doctor would suggest you stop drinking and eating for several hours before you go for the test. Depending on the requirement, you may also need to clear out your bowels – usually by taking a laxative.

Your internal body comes in physical contact with the test instrument during the test. Therefore, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to avoid infections.

CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy

Many factors come up when trying to figure out the differences between the two most effective diagnostic methods.

However, you don’t need to get anxious. Let me guide you through some of the significant factors.

Working Principle

A CT scan uses an X-Ray to scan your internal body without any physical contact. The technicians take layers of high-quality images from different angles and process them using a computer, providing in-depth observation.

The Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera at the end that travels to your internal organ and takes pictures or live videos. But unlike a CT scan, it uses usual light imagery, offering a limited surface observation.

Area Of Expertise

As the CT scan uses an X-Ray to render images, doctors can use it to examine your internal body parts, which are hard to reach physically. The brain, heart, and inside of bones are parts that require a CT scan.  

Endoscopy provides a live feed from the internal organ. Doctors recommend the test to examine the digestive system that includes the esophagus and the duodenum. Sometimes, the endoscope comprises an ultrasound probe to provide a thorough examination of your stomach.

Preparations

Before a CT scan, you should remove any sort of metal wearing’s from your body. Usually, hospitals prefer you to wear their provided gown before going in that big doughnut-like chamber. Depending on the test, your doctor may limit your diet too. 

The preparations of an endoscopy depend on the body part the doctor wants to check. Doctors may suggest a laxative for a colonoscopy to keep your bowels clean. 

Your doctor might also ask you to shift to a fibrous diet before a few days of the test. In some cases, you may need antibiotics to avoid unnecessary infections during the test.

How it feels

A CT scan works without any physical contact with the actual instrument. You just lie in a bed that goes inside a chamber and lifts the bed. You don’t feel much except hearing some buzzing noises. The process is quick enough for you to feel almost nothing.

However, an endoscopy works by inserting the endoscope inside your body. Though the procedure is safe and painless, you can feel uncomfortable. The test takes around 15 to 45 minutes, often requiring a sedative to help you relax and feel at ease.

My Concierge, MD, comprises expert doctors, nurses, and technicians who can perform the test with 100% efficiency. In their expert hand, you will feel comfortable and always at ease.

After the Test

After a CT scan, you can return to your everyday routine and work. However, you may need to intake a lot of fluid to clear out the contrast material if you would take any.

The endoscopy also allows you to return to your routine life after the test. However, if you have taken any sedatives, you will need hours to return to your steady-state.  

Risks

The CT scan exposes you to radiation during the test more than the amount you get during a standard X-Ray. However, doctors use less harmful low doses of radiation; higher doses may increase cancer risk.

An endoscopy is relatively safe. Serious harms during or after the test are pretty rare. However, the two rarest side effects you may face are infection and internal tearing or piercing the organ.

However, you may ask, “why does my jaw hurt after endoscopy?” It’s a common question that may happen after opening your mouth for a long time. You may encounter jaw dislocations in rarest cases that need further medication attention.

However, My Concierge, MD, comprises specially trained doctors to handle super efficiency. They treat you with care to give you the best treatment that you deserve.

Take Away

CT Scan Vs. Endoscopy – now you know all the differences.

Ct scan and endoscopy are two tests that doctors often suggest to perform a further examination of your internal organs. Both tests are safe; however, a healthcare center with highly trained doctors can only give 100% comfort, safety, and accuracy of the tests.

My Concierge, Md, is the best healthcare center for you offering expert doctors, nurses, and technicians. They perform the tests with optimum security and accuracy, which you rightly deserve.

90,000 Ultrasound, MRI, CT or endoscopy? Doctor Maskin called the most harmful research method

• Health

Often at the doctor’s office we hear that it is necessary to do an ultrasound, undergo an endoscopy or perform an MRI. How safe are these procedures, can they harm?

April 17 202324

Source:

iStockphoto

Today, to make an accurate diagnosis, doctors rarely get by with just a conversation with a person and the results of simple tests. To accurately determine the disease itself and its severity, the level of damage to internal organs, specialists prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures.

Ultrasound, MRI, CT, X-ray, endoscopy are prescribed for children and adults. How these diagnostic methods differ from each other and how often such studies can be carried out so as not to harm health, Maxim Maskin, the head physician of the Hemotest laboratory, told Doctor Peter.

Ultrasound: fast, painless and visual

Most often, people are prescribed an ultrasound examination of various organs or parts of the body. It is done using a special device equipped with a sensor and a computer, on the screen of which the doctor sees the results.

In fact, ultrasound is the effect of a sound wave, thanks to which the doctor sees the organ “alive”, in dynamics. For example, it may consider the inflection of the vessel, contraction of the stomach or bladder. This makes it possible to obtain maximum information about the patient’s condition. Ultrasound is an absolutely safe and painless method that can be used as often as necessary to monitor health, Maxim Maskin explained.

See also

If you want to take pictures

CT, MRI and radiography, unlike ultrasound, are static diagnostic methods, that is, the doctor takes an image of an organ or a series of images of individual areas – the so-called sections. With radiography, this is more often one picture or two or three – in a direct, lateral or oblique projection, with CT and MRI – several hundred. There is also, for example, an X-ray examination with the introduction of contrast agents, when the diagnostician takes a series of images. As a result, it seems that it is possible to study the work of the organ in dynamics.

It’s radiation, but don’t worry

CT (computed tomography), like the familiar X-ray, is an examination using ionizing radiation. If a patient is prescribed a regular X-ray even several times in a row, there is no need to worry and refuse. Modern x-ray tubes give minimal radiation, so you need to take pictures as many times as the doctor recommends. But computed tomography (CT) should not be done more often 3-4 times a year , because the ionizing radiation in this study is quite high – comparable to 20-30 conventional x-rays.

Read also

A safe alternative – MRI

Another completely safe type of examination is MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This method is based on the work of a magnetic field, and you and I already live in a magnetic field, it’s just that it is a little stronger inside the apparatus. However, there are some limitations to the study. For example, if a person has a pacemaker installed, an MRI cannot be done, otherwise catastrophic consequences cannot be avoided.

People with modern non-magnetic dental implants or joint prostheses have no contraindications for MRI. But if the prostheses are old, there is a risk that classic metal was used in them. Therefore, before the examination, a person is always asked when the prosthesis was installed, or they are asked to show the so-called implant passport – a document that always indicates whether an MRI can be done or not.

Each MRI room also has a metal detector like those used at airports or customs. If the device detects metal when testing a patient, the test is rejected . Otherwise, MRI, like ultrasound, can be done as many times as you like.

Flexible tube with light bulb

Endoscopy – inspection of abdominal organs using a flexible tube with a camera at the end. This is a method that is prescribed only according to indications. A competent doctor knows how to use an endoscope well, so the procedure is normally unpleasant, but not dangerous. However, do not forget about the possible individual reaction – such a study has slightly more risks than MRI, ultrasound, CT. The most uncomfortable endoscopy is colonoscopy, so it is is performed under general or local anesthesia. It’s not exactly anesthesia, just deep sleep so that the patient is not in pain.

In some serious illnesses, such as the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient’s condition must be constantly monitored, so in the hospital, endoscopy can be performed up to 3-4 times a day. Such a procedure does not cause any harm to health, because the doctor weighs the risks and benefits when prescribing an examination.

See also

Substitution not always possible

Fearing discomfort due to endoscopy, patients often request an ultrasound instead, but these are not interchangeable. Modern CT machines have a mode that can conditionally be considered a replacement for colonoscopy, it is called “virtual colonography”.

During the study, a 3D model of the large intestine lumen is built using a special program and preparation. However, if the doctor suspects some kind of pathology, it will still be necessary to do a classic colonoscopy.

Text author: Alena Paretskaya

CT or bronchoscopy – which is better? Indications and contraindications for both procedures

What is CT

Computed tomography is a type of X-ray examination that allows you to get a three-dimensional image of the organ being examined. The process uses ionizing radiation of a given frequency.

Special equipment – a tomograph – takes layer-by-layer images, which are then converted into a 3D image. It consists of a moving table, a ring and sensors. The most commonly used tomographs of a closed type.

CT is a painless examination method that does not require mechanical action (no incisions are made, no endoscopic devices are inserted).

What is bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is an alternative to CT for examining the bronchi and lungs. This type of examination involves the introduction of an endoscope into the respiratory tract. It is equipped with a camera, a device for injecting drugs and taking biopsy material. Anesthesia may be used during this procedure.

The image obtained during the examination is immediately transmitted to the monitor, with which the doctor monitors the procedure. Thanks to this, you can see the color range of the walls of the bronchi, which is important when making a diagnosis of certain diseases.

How bronchoscopy and CT work

During a CT scan, the following steps are performed:

• The patient is placed on a special table and fixed with straps (limbs) and pillows (head) to avoid movement during the procedure.
• It is then pushed into the apparatus
• With the help of moving sensors, the necessary organs are scanned in different planes
• After 30-60 minutes, the device is turned off and the patient can stand up and receive the results of the analysis in the form of 3D images

The mechanism of bronchoscopy is different. In this study, the following manipulations are performed:

• The patient is placed on the couch and, if necessary, local anesthesia can be administered to avoid pain
• Bronchoscope (type of endoscope) inserted into the airways
• Camera sends image to monitor
  
• If necessary, the doctor injects the drug into the foci of the disease or takes tissue for analysis
• After an hour or two, the device is removed and the patient receives a record of the operation

Indications and contraindications for CT and bronchoscopy

Both examinations can detect the presence of the following problems:

• Respiratory disorders
• Haemorrhage from lungs or airways
• Pneumonia
• Accumulation of fluid or pus in the lungs
• Determining the causes of asthma
• Probability of neoplasm or polyps
• Presence of a foreign body

They are also used to monitor the condition of the respiratory system before or after surgery.

While the study areas are similar, due to the different nature of these types of analysis, contraindications to them differ. But it is precisely because of this that bronchoscopy becomes an alternative to CT.

Computed tomography is contraindicated:

• Pregnancy – due to the influence of X-ray radiation on the development of the fetus and the likelihood of pathologies
• Excessive weight – scanners have restrictions on the weight and size of the patient’s body
• Claustrophobia – such patients will not be able to withstand the procedure in the tube of the CT scanner, but in this case, an open type device

can be used

Contraindications to the procedure in case of need to use contrast:

• Allergy to iodine and its compounds – as the contrast agent contains a large amount of it
• A number of diseases of the kidneys and liver, diabetes mellitus – due to the fact that the contrast will be removed from the body too slowly, poisoning may occur

Use CT with caution and according to strict indications to examine nursing mothers and children under 14 years of age.

Bronchoscopy should not be performed in the following cases:

• If the patient has asthma or some other respiratory disease
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Presence of respiratory failure
• Larynx or trachea excessively constricted
• Under 14
• The patient has mental disorders
• Allergy to drugs for anesthesia, without which the procedure cannot be performed
• If the patient is weakened by a serious illness

This type of examination can be performed under local anesthesia, as the patient must be immobile. Otherwise, a spasm of the larynx may occur, organ tissues may be damaged, and the procedure itself is painful and uncomfortable for the patient.

Bronchoscopy or CT – which is better?

It is up to the doctor to decide which method is best for each individual case.

When a CT scan is ordered:

• If the patient is weak or has severe breathing problems
• In case of contraindications to bronchoscopy, when anesthesia cannot be used because it has a serious effect on the body
• When a detailed 3D image of the examined organ is required, and non-invasiveness and painlessness are required

If respiratory cancer is to be diagnosed, virtual bronchoscopy or bronchial MRI is most commonly used.