I have terrible veins the last ct scan dye went into tissue The consultant phoned me today and said I would be having ct scan without contrast as radioligist wont use my port So my question is why not as other people have their ports used
I have terrible veins the last ct scan dye went into tissue The consultant phoned me today and said I would be having ct scan without contrast as radioligist wont use my port So my question is why not as other people have their ports used
Hi Bridie,
Welcome to the online community. My name is Anne and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Support Line. I understand the radiologist performing your CT examination has made the decision not administer IV contrast via your port.
It’s difficult for us to know exactly why this decision has been made, as we are not involved in your care. However, it may be worth contacting the Radiology Department and they can explain their decision in more detail for you.
There may be several factors involved in making this decision based upon their clinical judgement. They will have knowledge of the power-injector delivery devices used in their department and also the type of port (central venous catheter) you have. The decision may be based on the potential risks of using your CVC. For instance, the risk of complications such as catheter rupture increases in catheters over 3 months old.
Not all CT scans require contrast and the information and images they wish to gather may be gained without the need for contrast. Again, the Radiology team at the Hospital should be able to provide you with a more detailed explanation for their decision.
I hope this is helpful, Bridie. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us if you would like to have a chat about things.
Take care for now,
Anne - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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