What is an MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvis scan?

An MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvis uses an MRI Scanner to produce detailed images of the organs and structures in your abdomen (stomach and torso area) and /or pelvis (area between and including your hips).

What happens during an MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvic scan?

A. Before your scan

Implanted Devices

Please read IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING IMPLANTED DEVICES before your scan.

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – The day before your scan

You should fast from 8pm the day prior to your scan. Some water is OK.

Preparation – On the day of the scan

You will be asked to fill out a MRI Safety Check list to confirm you do not have any contraindicated items or implants in/on your body. The MRI Technologist will ensure that no potentially unsafe items enter the scan room.

B. During your MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvic scan

Scan

Most Pelvic or Abdominal scans will take 25-30 minutes per region. To enable clear diagnostic scans it is necessary to relax and lie very still for the duration of the examination. Some scans will run for 2-4 minutes, whilst others will require you to hold your breath for 10-15 seconds.

The MRI will make various loud tapping or buzzing noises during these scans and you may experience some minor heating / warmth in the area being examined. You will be provided with earphones and / or earplugs to significantly dull these noises.In many cases you will require an injection of Gadolinium based contrast agent (dye) which is injected via a vein in your arm.

If you suffer from claustrophobia we can make a genuine difference to you tolerating the scan. Our team of caring MRI Techs will put you at ease, even if you are anxious or have had a bad MRI experience in the past. Countless patients have experienced the positive difference we provide. We encourage you to come and see our scanners and speak with one of our MRI techs prior to coming in for your appointment to help allay any anxiety regarding our scan.

Risks and side effects

An MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvic scan is a very low-risk procedure. Complications are rare during this procedure however you should be informed of the possible risks and side effects including contraindicated implanted devices. Risks associated with this procedure include:

• An allergic reaction to intravenous contrast material can  simulate short term allergic response such as itching, a rash or hives. A more serious allergic reaction to intravenous contrast is called an anaphylactic reaction. When this occurs, the patient may experience severe hives and/or extreme difficulty in breathing. This reaction is extremely rare, and requires emergency treatment.

Who will perform my scan?

Our caring team of experienced MRI Technologists will help put you at ease and ensure you have the most comfortable MRI experience possible, whilst specifically catering the scan protocol to best suit your clinical condition.

What happens after an MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvis scan?

How do I get my results?

After completion of your MRI scan, the images are viewed and interpreted by our experienced specialist MRI Radiologists before delivery of a report to your doctor or specialist. Please see our billing information page for important information regarding Medicare rebates for MRI scans.

Post procedural information

You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after your scan.

You should encounter no ill effects from your MRI and will be able to go about your regular daily activities after your scan.