- Does the patient have to be prepared for the examination?
- How is the procedure performed?
- Is it necessary to use a contrast agent?
It is advisable not to eat anything at least 6 hours before the examination. If you are referred for gall bladder, bile ducts and pancreas MRI, do not drink anything for the last 4 hours before the procedure. However, you can only drink small amounts of water.
Otherwise, general guidelines for MRI examination apply.
The radiolographer will place you in the appropriate position on the examination table and install a suitable coil. You will be provided with earphones for hearing protection as loud noises are generated during the investigation. You will enter the MRI scanner where you will stay for the duration of the process. You will hold a bell in your hand to use it if any problems occur during the procedure to alert the radiographer.
It is of particular importance that you remain completely still during the investigation as the movements impair the image quality!
The examination takes up to 45 minutes. The time is extended by an additional 15 minutes if a contrast agent has to be used.
In such investigations, contrast agent is used as needed, for example to precisely define tumors, in inflammations, etc. The decision is made by the radiologist based on your clinical information and the findings of the examination.