Procedures

Coastal Imaging offers a procedure called a biopsy, which involves the removal of a piece of tissue or a small sample of cells from the body to be examined and analyzed in a laboratory. This procedure is performed when a preliminary test (such as an CT scan) indicates an abnormality in body tissue and allows the doctor to determine whether or not cancer cells are present.

Coastal Imaging utilizes joint injections in order to treat inflammatory joint conditions. This procedure is performed by inserting a needle attached to a syringe into the the affected joint and injecting medication for pain relief.

Some examples of injected joints include:

• Knee
• Ankle
• Shoulder
• Wrist
• Elbow

48 myelogram is a procedure used to look at the spinal cord and subarachnoid space for abnormalities. A myelogram maybe ordered for a herniated disc, bone spur, stenosis (narrowing of the canal) suspected tumors or infection in or around the spinal cord.

Before

• Do not take any blood thinners or anti-inflammatories for 3 days prior to exam.
• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam
• Bring a driver

During

You will change into a gown and lie on your stomach on a table. After your back is cleaned with an antiseptic soap and a numbing injection is given, a needle is then inserted into the spinal canal. It is normal to fell pressure while the needle is inserted. The radiologist will remove some spinal fluid and inject some contrast material into the spinal canal and then the needle is removed. The table will be tilted in various directions to help move the contrast around your spinal cord while pictures are being taken. Tell the radiologist if you feel any numbness, tingling or headache during the procedure.

After

Your vital signs will be monitored before allowing you to go home. Once you are discharged:

• No driving for 48 hours
• Keep head elevated at a 45 degree angle for 24 hours (DO NOT LAY FLAT)
• Drink plenty of water
• No strenuous activity for 48 hours

Headaches may occur after a myelogram. However, call our office or go to the emergency room immediately if:

• The headache persists for longer than 48 hours or if it becomes severe
• You have a fever
• You have a stiff neck or trouble thinking

Coastal Imaging utilizes a procedure called lumbar puncture, also referred to as a spinal tap, in order to collect cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid, also called CSF, surrounds the brain and spinal cord serving as a cushion. Lumbar punctures involve the careful insertion of a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back to extract a sample of CSF.

Some examples of what this procedure can help diagnose include:

• Severe infections
• Central nervous system disorders
• Cancers involving the brain and spinal cord
• Multiple Sclerosis

Coastal Imaging performs a procedure called paracentesis, which is the extraction of a sample of abnormal fluid build up in the abdomen. A needle is inserted about 1-2 inches into the abdomen under ultrasound guidance to drain the fluid which will be analyzed in a laboratory to help determine the cause of the ascites (fluid).

Coastal Imaging utilizes a procedure called fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid which involves a thin (fine) needle to extract a small sample of cells from the thyroid gland for examination. This less invasive method of testing determines whether a nodule is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).