Name of the Procedure

Technetium Tc-99m Disofenin Scan
Common name(s): HIDA Scan, Cholescintigraphy
Technical/medical terms: Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan

Summary

A HIDA scan, or hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan, uses a radioactive tracer called technetium Tc-99m disofenin to create images of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. It helps evaluate the function of these organs and can detect blockages or other abnormalities.

Purpose

The procedure aims to identify issues affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. It's particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), bile duct obstructions, or congenital abnormalities.

Indications

• Symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained fever.
• Suspected gallbladder disease or bile duct obstruction.
• Monitoring liver transplant function.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 4-6 hours prior to the procedure.
• Certain medications may need to be adjusted or stopped; consult with your healthcare provider.
• No additional diagnostic tests are usually required beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient receives an injection of technetium Tc-99m disofenin through a vein.
2. The radioactive tracer travels to the liver and is then excreted into the bile ducts and gallbladder.
3. A gamma camera captures images as the tracer moves through the hepatobiliary system.
4. The patient may lie still on their back for 1-2 hours while images are taken.

Duration

Typically takes 1-2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Radiologist
• Nurse or patient care technician

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer (rare).
• Slight discomfort at the injection site.
• Radiation exposure, though minimal and considered safe.

Benefits

• Provides detailed images of the hepatobiliary system.
• Helps diagnose conditions that may not be visible with other imaging techniques.
• Generally, non-invasive and requires no anesthesia.

Recovery

• Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from the body.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss results.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive, but may not provide as much detail in some cases.
• MRI or CT scan: Alternative imaging techniques, sometimes used in conjunction.
• Blood tests: May provide information but lack imaging detail.

Patient Experience

• Patients generally experience minimal discomfort.
• Lying still for an extended period may be required.
• Pain management typically is not needed, and comfort measures include pillows and blankets.