Name of the Procedure:

Computed Tomography (CT) Guidance for Stereotactic Localization

Summary

In layman's terms, this procedure uses a CT scanner to help doctors precisely locate a specific area in the body, often for a biopsy, injection, or surgical planning. The CT images guide the placement of instruments or markers to ensure exact targeting.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to accurately identify and target specific areas within the body, such as tumors or other abnormalities. It helps in obtaining tissue samples (biopsies), guiding injections, or planning surgical interventions. The expected outcome is precise and effective targeting, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Indications

• Specific symptoms: Unexplained masses, suspected tumors, lesions, or abnormal tissue areas.
• Conditions: Cancer diagnosis, infection, structural abnormalities.
• Patient criteria: Patients requiring accurate localization of a specific area for biopsy, injection, or surgical assessment, often where other imaging methods are insufficient.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure instructions: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Medication adjustments might be necessary, particularly for blood thinners.
• Diagnostic tests: Prior imaging studies like MRI or initial CT scans may be required to plan the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table.
2. A CT scan is performed to identify the target area.
3. The coordinates of the target are fed into the stereotactic system.
4. Guided by the CT images, the healthcare provider places a needle, probe, or marker to the precise location.
5. Additional CT scans may be used to confirm the accurate placement.
6. The necessary procedure (biopsy, injection, etc.) is performed.

Tools and equipment: CT scanner, stereotactic localization system, needles, probes, and other relevant instruments.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Local anesthesia is commonly used; sedation may be provided depending on the procedure and patient comfort.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and the targeted area.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital's radiology or imaging department, or in a specialized outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• Interventional radiologist or surgeon
• Radiology technologist
• Nurse or medical assistant

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Bleeding, infection, minor pain at the needle insertion site.
• Rare risks: Damage to surrounding tissues or organs, adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

The main benefit is the high precision in targeting specific areas within the body, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Benefits are often realized immediately or within a few days of the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Monitor the insertion site for signs of infection, manage any mild pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Recovery time: Generally, patients can return to normal activities the next day, but should follow specific instructions from their healthcare provider.
• Follow-up: Depending on the procedure performed, follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss results or plan further treatment.

Alternatives

• Other options: MRI-guided procedures, ultrasound-guided procedures, and traditional surgical approaches.
• Pros and cons: CT guidance is often more precise and less invasive than surgical options, but MRI might be preferred for soft tissues, and ultrasound can be used for real-time imaging without radiation exposure.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort at the site of needle insertion. Local anesthesia will minimize pain. After the procedure, mild soreness or bruising may occur. Pain management usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, and any significant discomfort should be reported to the healthcare provider.