CT guided ablation aftercare
This page will give you information about aftercare following your CT guided ablation
What to expect after your CT Guided Ablation
- You can eat and drink as usual after the procedure.
- It is best to have someone drive you home or take a taxi instead of using public transport.
- Drink plenty of fluids over the next 2 to 3 days.
- To prevent infection, you will be given antibiotics during the procedure. You will need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- You might feel feverish or unwell for a day or two after the procedure. This is normal and usually goes away on its own - it does not mean the treated tumour is infected.
- The needles used for the procedure leave only small puncture wounds in the skin. You will need to use simple plasters, which can be removed after 48 hours.
- If you notice ongoing bleeding or a discharge from the needle wound sites, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
The results of the CT scan will be sent to the doctor who requested the test. The doctor will contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment.
If you experience any of the following it is important that you contact the Radiology Nurses, NHS 111 or the nearest Accident & Emergency Department for advice:
| What to look for | Possible complications | Frequency | Actions to take |
| Pain and bruising |
Pain and bruising |
Common |
Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol to relieve any pain. This should go after a couple of days but if present longer please telephone the Radiology Nurses for advice. |
| Swelling and pain | Haematoma | Rare |
Apply a cold compress such as an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel. Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol to relieve any pain. If the swelling or pain does not improve over the next few days telephone the Radiology Nurses. |
|
General feeling of unwell |
Slight raised temperature or fever | Common 1 -2 days post procedure |
Take anti-biotics as prescribed and rest. If the symptoms persist or get worse contact your GP. |
|
Severe abdominal pain and bruising associated with weakness, nausea and/or vomiting |
Bleeding - the area being ablated or an adjacent blood vessel may rarely bleed enough to need a further procedure. |
Rare |
This may require further intervention- This is usually a minimally invasive embolization of the bleeding vessel performed in radiology, very rarely surgical intervention is required. |
|
Extreme Chest pain and shortness of breath |
Pneumothorax – leaking of air into the chest wall |
Rare |
Go to the Emergency Department . |
Contact information
If you have any problems or questions, please contact the Radiology Nurses.
Radiology Nurses
Tel: 0300 422 5152
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Alternatively, you can contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
We are pleased that we can offer state of the art technology for diagnosis. However, radiology equipment needs constant updating and there is a charitable fund for this. If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque to the appropriate address below. Cheques are payable to GHNHSFT.
Please send your donation to:
Business Manager, Department of Radiology (Imaging 1), Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, London Road, Gloucester GL1 3NN