What is a CT renal donor angiogram?
A CT renal donor angiogram is an advanced imaging technique that uses X-rays and a special contrast material to visualise the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys. This imaging scan is an essential tool for evaluating the suitability of a kidney for transplantation. It helps doctors assess the donor’s vascular anatomy, including the number, length, and diameter of renal arteries and veins.
What is the purpose of a CT renal donor angiogram?
The main purpose of a CT renal donor angiogram is to assess the renal vasculature in potential kidney donors. Healthcare professionals use this imaging scan for:
- Pre-surgical evaluation: A CT renal donor angiogram is an essential tool for pre-surgical evaluation in potential kidney donors.
- Vascular assessment: This scan provides a detailed picture of the renal vascular system, including the arterial and venous system, which is essential for pre-surgical planning.
- Surgical planning: The information that this scan provides helps doctors plan the surgical procedure, determining which kidney to remove and identifying any anatomical variations that might affect the surgery.
- Reducing complications: As this scan provides a detailed map of the renal vasculature, it helps reduce the risk of complications during the surgery and increases the chances of a successful kidney transplant.
How is a CT renal donor angiogram performed?
Firstly, you will lie on your back on an examination table that slides into the round-shaped CT scan machine. The technician will insert an IV catheter into a vein in your arm, through which the contrast material will be given. The scanner then takes pictures of the kidney, while the contrast material flows through the blood vessels. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds as the machine takes several images. The computer then combines the slices to generate detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the kidney.
What does an abnormal CT renal donor angiogram indicate?
An abnormal CT renal donor angiogram may reveal anatomical and pathological findings that could render a kidney unsuitable for transplantation. These issues may include:
- Renal artery diseases: Renal artery diseases, including atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries) and aneurysms (bulging of the artery), may make a kidney unsuitable for transplant.
- Tumours or masses: Kidney tumours can be either benign or malignant, such as angiomyelipomas.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones are mostly benign, but they may cause complications if they are large or numerous.
- Congenital abnormalities: Congenital abnormalities of the kidney, including horseshoe kidney or solitary kidney, are usually not a problem for donation, but need to be evaluated.
- Vascular abnormalities: It detects variations in the renal arteries and veins, such as accessory arteries or veins, which are essential for kidney transplantation surgery.
- Other abnormalities: This scan can also identify other issues like cysts, focal scarring, and other conditions.
However, since a CT scan cannot definitively diagnose all conditions, your doctor may order further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Fortunately, you can easily book a CT renal donor angio scan in Ahmedabad because there are multiple CT renal donor angio scan centres in Ahmedabad. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The CT renal donor angio scan cost in Ahmedabad may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, CT renal donor angio scan prices in Ahmedabad start from rupees 6000 only.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CT renal donor angiogram?
A CT renal donor angiogram is an imaging method that uses X-rays and a contrast material to visualise the blood vessels in the kidney to determine the health of the kidney in the potential donor.
Why is a CT renal donor angiogram done?
A CT renal angiogram is used to evaluate the renal vasculature of a potential kidney donor before surgery.
When do I need this scan?
Your doctor may order this scan if you are undergoing kidney transplantation.
How long does the CT renal donor angiogram take?
A CT renal donor angiogram may take about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Is a CT renal donor angiogram painful?
No, a CT renal donor angiogram is not painful.
Are there any side effects of this scan?
No, this scan does not have potential side effects. However, some people might be allergic to contrast materials.
Is contrast material used in this procedure?
Yes, a CT renal donor angiogram uses a contrast material.