Overview

American Hospital Tbilisi Radiology Department has a wide range of imaging equipment to diagnose various conditions or illnesses. Most people visiting our hospital benefit from the exceptional care, advanced technology, and expertise of the Department of Radiology. Diagnostic radiologists are doctors who use a variety of imaging procedures to diagnose and treat people with a wide range of difficult-to-diagnose and complex conditions. Radiologist plays an important role in patients’ health by acting as an expert consultant to referring physician. Radiologists interpret and report on the resulting images and recommend treatments or if it is appropriate, additional tests.  Successful treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis and a team of specialists will listen to patients’ needs and evaluate the patient’s condition from every angle to make the most adequate plan for you.

American Hospital Tbilisi radiologists work closely with many medical specialty areas to guarantee patient care of excellence. Depending on the patient’s situation, the care team may include radiologists and other doctors, including those trained in cardiovascular medicine, urology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology/head, and neck surgery, oncology, gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, or vascular surgery.  

Radiologists work with skilled technologists and nurses, constantly updating protocols in line with cutting-edge developments to efficiently provide imaging services with modern reporting. This means the patient’s test results correspond to recent developments, which are usually available quickly, and appointments are scheduled in coordination. Highly specialized experts are working together for patients’ well-being.

Our hospital regularly invested in the gold standard in new diagnostic technologies from the leading global providers, thus our radiologists use advanced imaging technology, which is key for patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment. These include X-rays (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany); Ultrasounds,128 Slice – Computer tomography (CT) (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany), and 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Magnetom Vida, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany).

What is an X-ray?

Radiography, or x-ray, uses a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure. It is a very effective way of assessing the bones and can be used to help detect a range of conditions.

How X-rays works

A small amount of ionizing radiation is passed through the body. In the past, this went onto a special film. Nowadays x-ray examinations use a device that will capture transmitted x-rays to create an electronic image.
While the calcium in bones blocks the passage of radiation, healthy bones show up as white or grey. Contrary, radiation passes easily through air spaces, thus healthy lungs appear black.

When x-ray examinations are used

This test is very common and can be used to examine most areas of the body. Some of the many uses include:

diagnosis of fractures –one of the most common uses of this test is the detection of broken bones

diagnosis of dislocations –if the bones of a joint are abnormally positioned an x-ray examination can help

diagnosis of bone or joint conditions – for example, some types of cancer, arthritis, or osteoporosis

as a surgical tool – to help the surgeon accurately operate. Such as in orthopedic surgery, x-ray images were taken to show if the fracture is aligned or if the implanted device (such as an artificial joint) is in position. X-rays may also be used in other surgical procedures with a similar purpose

diagnosis of chest conditions – such as pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, or heart failure

detection of foreign objects – for example, metal fragments or swallowed coins, bones

dysphagia and some gastrointestinal problems.

When x-ray examinations are used

This test is very common and can be used to examine most areas of the body. Some of the many uses include:

• diagnosis of fractures –one of the most common uses of this test is the detection of broken bones 
• diagnosis of dislocations –if the bones of a joint are abnormally positioned an x-ray examination can help
• diagnosis of bone or joint conditions – for example, some types of cancer, arthritis, or osteoporosis
• as a surgical tool – to help the surgeon accurately operate. Such as orthopedic surgery, x-ray images are taken to show if the fracture is aligned or if the implanted device (such as an artificial joint) is in position. X-rays may also be used in other surgical procedures with a similar purpose
• diagnosis of chest conditions – such as pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, or heart failure
• detection of foreign objects – for example, metal fragments or swallowed coins, bones
• dysphagia and some gastrointestinal problems.

Preparing for the X-ray

• Let your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Another type of test may be recommended.
• A conventional x-ray examination does not require any special preparation.
• Some x-ray examinations use an iodinated contrast agent (a type of dye), which helps to improve the detail of the images or to make it possible to see body structures such as the bowel or blood vessels. The hospital x-ray department will give you instructions on how to prepare for the test and what to expect.

Computer Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography is medical imaging that uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create detailed two- or three-dimensional images of the body. The CT scan can make an image of every type of body structure at once, including bone, blood vessels, and soft tissue.

When a CT scan is used

CT scans can produce detailed images of many structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels, and bones. They can be used to: diagnose conditions (such as damage to bones, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, stroke, and cancer), monitor conditions (including checking the size of tumors during and after cancer treatment), CT Guided Procedures, for example, CT scans can help determine the location, size, and shape of a tumor before having radiotherapy, or allow a doctor to take a needle biopsy or drain an abscess.

Some of the common uses of the CT scan include:

assessment of a body part’s structure or shape

diagnosis of disease, particularly cancer

diagnosis of trauma or injury 

diagnosis of vascular disease

aid in planning particular surgeries

visual aid to certain interventional procedures (going inside the body) such as biopsy or needle aspiration

alternative to some types of exploratory or diagnostic surgery.

When a CT scan is used

CT scans can produce detailed images of many structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels, and bones. They can be used to: diagnose conditions (such as damage to bones, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, stroke, and cancer), monitor conditions (including checking the size of tumors during and after cancer treatment), CT Guided Procedures, for example, CT scans can help determine the location, size, and shape of a tumor before having radiotherapy, or allow a doctor to take a needle biopsy or drain an abscess.

Some of the common uses of the CT scan include:

• assessment of a body part’s structure or shape
• diagnosis of disease, particularly cancer
• diagnosis of trauma or injury 
• diagnosis of vascular disease
• aid in planning particular surgeries
• visual aid to certain interventional procedures (going inside the body) such as biopsy or needle aspiration
• alternative to some types of exploratory or diagnostic surgery.

Preparation for CT-scan

• When your examination requires contrast, you may be advised to avoid eating anything for several hours before your appointment to help make sure clear images are taken.
• If you have any allergies, kidney problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, or taking medication for diabetes, you should inform the doctor to organize special arrangements when needed.
• CT scans are not usually recommended for pregnant women unless it is an emergency, as there is a small chance the X-rays could harm your baby. Thus, you should also let the doctor know if you are pregnant. 
• Before having the scan, you may be given a special dye called a contrast to help improve the quality of the images. Which may be swallowed in the form of a drink, passed into your bottom (enema), or injected into a blood vessel. Intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast medium, which help produce better images may cause a strange warm feeling that lasts for a few seconds, a funny metallic taste in the mouth, or the sensation that you have ‘wet’ yourself.
• The radiographer may use straps and foam pillows to position your body and help keep you still when you lie down on the scanner table, which slides into the circular hole in the machine. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the CT machine takes the images.
• Severalof images may be taken as the table moves in and out of the circular hole, depending on the body part and the condition being investigated.
• The ring inside the gantry, which takes the x-ray images moves in a circle around you. Each revolution (turning) of the ring takes less than a second and depending on examination there may be several revolutions.
• The equipment makes noises such as clicks and buzzes while taking the images. Do not be alarmed – this is normal.
• The CT scan may take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more, depending on the type of medical investigation.

After CT scans

• The CT scan is a non-invasive, painless, and relatively safe procedure. Most people do not need any recovery time. Some people who have an injection of iodinated contrast material may feel nauseous for a short time afterward. On rare occasions, a person may have an allergic reaction to this substance.
• Normally nursing mothers do not need to avoid breastfeeding after a CT scan, even if the iodinated intravenous dye was used.  
• There are no known long-term side effects from having a CT scan.

When MRI is used

• An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body for diagnosis and monitoring, including the:

  • Neuro-imaging
  • MRI ENT – (Head & Neck)
  • MR Cholangiogram
  • MRI Prostate (Tumour Detection / Staging)
  • MRI Rectal (Tumour Staging / Fistula)
  • MRI Abdomen (Pancreas, Kidneys, Liver, etc)
  • MRI Enterography
  • MRI Defecography
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging

MRI scan procedure

• You will be asked to remove all metal objects, including wristwatches, keys, and jewelry, and left outside the scan room.
• You will be instructed to lie on the scanner’s table, which then slides into the cylinder. During the examination the MRI scanner allows you to talk with the radiography staff.
• It is important to lie very still, as movement will blur or distort the pictures, which makes it hard for radiologists to interpret images.
• During the examination, the MRI scanner makes noises such as knocks, loud bangs, and clicks. (You will be offered earplugs. You also can listen to music if you prefer)
• You may feel a little warm.
• Scan duration can be from 20 minutes up to an hour, depending on the nature of the investigation.

Issues to consider during MRI scan

• Metal– some metal objects can be affected by the magnetic field of the MRI scan. Tell your doctor about any internal device or implant you may have, such as a heart pacemaker, metal fragments, or a medication pump. You can never have an MRI scan if you have a heart pacemaker!
• Fasting– if you undergoing a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan, it is advised not to eat or drink for at least five hours before the procedure. It is usually not necessary to avoid food or drink before the scan in other cases.
• Claustrophobia–Some patients find space within the MRI scan unsettling. The doctor may offer you medication to help you relax during the procedure.
• Children– mostly children are given anti-anxiety medication before the procedure to help them relax. Or ich children are too small advised scan with anesthesia.

After MRI scans

The MRI scan is a non-invasive, painless, and safe procedure. There are no known long-term side effects from undergoing MRI. The MRI scan does not use ionizing radiation to achieve its pictures.

Preparing for your visit

American Hospital Tbilisi – AHT, the main task of the management is to receive accreditation of the international standard – JCI (Joint Commission International) and to provide the highest quality medical services – to improve your health!