Bethesda Hospital reborn

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Extract from the article: L’hôpital Bethesda d’Agou-Nyogbo renforce ses offres de services en imagerie médicale. Le scanner de 32 barrettes est déjà mis en service depuis le 20 novembre 2023 à la grande satisfaction de la direction de l’hôpital et des populations. On peut réa

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Bethesda Hospital in Agou-Nyogbo is strengthening its medical imaging services. The 32-bar scanner has been in service since 20 November 2023, to the great satisfaction of the hospital's management and the public. The scanner can be installed at a social cost. When is a CT scan indicated for diagnosis? According to Yendoukoa Laré, Senior Technician in Radiology and Medical Imaging at Bethesda Hospital in Agou-Nyogbo, a CT scan can be used to detect a variety of illnesses or anomalies, or even cancer, which can affect any part of the body.

Victim of a road accident, Alexandre Seware, in his thirties, was admitted to Besthesda hospital in Agou Nyogbo. His injuries included a shock to the head, concussion and a fractured left foot. He was admitted to hospital for a CT scan. « It was the scan that saved him. Now that he's recovered, he can speak », says his older brother Nobodou, a trader in Agou Akoumawou, who accompanied him. « It's a great relief for us. We're pleased with the welcome and the care. My little brother is better today », said Nobodou.

Why prescribe a CT scan?

A CT scan is a medical imaging examination that allows very precise exploration of multiple regions of the human body. The machine emits low-dose X-rays, directed at the part of the body to be analysed.

The indications for CT scans are very broad. « First and foremost, the scanner is the examination of choice in the event of trauma involving various organs such as the liver, spleen or kidneys.It can be used to detect bleeding, lacerations, lesions or fractures. It is also the imaging test of choice for acute pain, such as abdominal pain.In vascular terms, it allows precise analysis of blood vessels.  A CT scan also provides a clear view of bone structures, which can be useful in assessing the impact of certain chronic pathologies.Finally, it is one of the best examinations both for the initial diagnosis and for the follow-up of certain cancers », stresses Dr Etiam Koffi Sowu, Director of the Bethsesda Hospital in Agou Nyogbo.

This technique produces cross-sectional images, i.e. thin, contiguous slices. The images are then processed by a computer and digitised.This produces a two- or three-dimensional reconstruction. The examination is painless, fast and very useful in diagnosing many pathologies.

What does a scanner look like?

The scanner takes the form of a ring (about 2 metres in diameter) under which slides an examination table on which the patient lies. « Inside this ring is an X-ray tube that rotates around the patient throughout the examination.  The radiology technician is separated from the main room by leaded glass. The technician looks into the room through a window and can communicate with the patient via loudspeakers.He follows the examination on computer screens that process the data and display the images », explains Yendoukoa Laré, Senior Technician in Radiology and Medical Imaging at Besthesda Hospital.The difference between a scanner and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Difference between a scanner and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

The main difference between the two is the way in which they produce images. « A CT scanner uses X-rays to capture images in three dimensions of the body.MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create three-dimensional images. In addition, MRI is a precision examination that is more expensive. It can take 10 times longer to perform than a CT scan.However, both are important and complementary », explains Yendoukoa Laré, Senior Technician in Radiology and Medical Imaging.

How do you prepare for a scan?

Most of the time, says Yendoukoa Laré, « a scan does not require any specific preparation.You can eat, drink and, above all, take your usual medication. However, it is generally advisable to eat a light meal, as the contrast agent prescribed by the doctor, which has to be injected into a vein, may cause some nausea or vomiting ».

What happens during the procedure?

On arrival in the radiology department, the patient is taken in charge by a radiology and medical imaging technician, who will take him or her to a preparation booth to remove any metal objects.A final check for contraindications is carried out by means of a few questions.

For Yendoukoa Laré, it is therefore preferable for patients to bring their prescription and a letter from the prescribing doctor. The technician will then insert a venous line which will be used to inject the contrast product if necessary. At the time of injection, the patient may feel a sensation of heat, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting. These reactions are not systematic. However, you must remain perfectly still throughout the image acquisition process.

« The examination lasts approximately 05 minutes. It is carried out by the Radiology and Medical Imaging Technician, and comprises several stages.The patient lies on the machine's examination table.The table moves and the part of the body to be examined is then placed inside the scanner, which is shaped like a large ring, open at both ends and containing a radiation emitter-receiver.Inside the ring, the transceiver rotates around the patient to take scouting images that will be used to determine the precise area to be studied, in order to keep radiation to a minimum. The patient can't see it, but they can hear the scanner as it starts to turn around them », explains Yendoukoua Laré.

Depending on the pathology being investigated, one or more series of images may be acquired. It is the radiology technician who, depending on the diagnosis made by the doctor prescribing the examination, will decide which series of images to take.

« In the event of a problem, the patient, equipped with a microphone and an alarm bell, is in constant contact with the medical team, who are seated behind a glass pane that protects them from X-rays.  Once the examination is complete, the infusion is removed and a small dressing applied, and the patient is taken back to the preparation room to get dressed », explains technician Yendoukoua Laré.

The doctor will then need time to analyse all the images acquired, look for lesions, characterise them and, if necessary, carry out reconstructions.Once the doctor prescribing the scan has been informed of the results, he or she will be able to adapt the treatment, or even resort to other tests if necessary, depending on the pathology detected.

William O.