Imaging
MRI Department
The hospital has opened a new MRI suite in the ground floor of the King George V block. State-of-the-art Philips 1.5T and 3T (with multi-transmit) systems were installed, which allow high resolution scanning of the abdomen and pelvis.
The team of radiographers is led by MRI Superintendent Atif Cheema, and is dedicated to providing a service which accommodates patients within the tight constraints of NHS cancer waiting times. We now have access to four MRI scanners at both Barts and The Royal London hospitals. This recent increase in facilities has allowed for a steady decrease in waiting times and greater flexibility.
The team of radiographers, MRI imaging assistants and reception staff have excellent communication with the gynaecological cancer team. Urgent cases are fitted in as soon as possible to provide rapid diagnostic imaging information to help with treatment decisions.
If you are coming in for an MRI scan, you may talk to the radiographer at anytime throughout the scan and if you wish, a relative or friend may stay in the scan room with you during the scan.
You may be asked to take a tablet or injection, which temporarily slows down the bowel during the scan and an intravenous contrast injection depending on the type of scan.
MRI scans are reviewed and reported on a daily basis by Consultant Radiologists Prof Andrea Rockall and Dr Anju Sahdev, both of whom are specialised in gynae-oncology imaging. Imaging results are then discussed at the weekly multidisciplinary team meeting.
What should I expect when I go for an MRI scan?
For further information and a description of what to expect when having an MRI scan, please download the following document:
Download leaflet about having an MRI scan. *Please note that MRI scanning is based on the ground floor of the main outpatients building (rather than in King George V building as stated in the leaflet).
Some patients are not able to have an MRI scan for safety reasons – please read the information in the leaflet above for details.
What happens if the scanner breaks down?
Scanner faults occasionally occur. This would never affect the patient, although the scan may need to be repeated. The scan problem is immediately reported to ensure rapid resolution of the problem. In urgent cases, patients may be asked to attend for their MRI scan at the Royal London Hospital instead. All patients on the list for the day are telephoned and re-booked. As soon as we know when the scanner is up and running, patients are then given another appointment as a top priority, ahead of patients on the waiting list.
How long will it take to get the results?
Scans are usually reported by the consultant radiologist within 24 to 48 hours. The report is then typed up usually within 3–4 days. The results of the scan may then be given to you in your next follow-up appointment.
Ultrasound and guided biopsy
The ultrasound department is on the ground floor of King George 5th building. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds scans may be performed. You may be asked to refrain from eating prior to a scan or in some cases you may be asked to attend with a full bladder. In some cases biopsies may be performed under ultrasound guidance by the gynae-oncology imaging team. In these cases, specific instructions will be discussed with you by your doctor.
To access and download a leaflet about having a transvaginal scan, please click here. *Please note that this scanning now takes place on the ground floor of King George V wing (rather than in Queen Elizabeth II building as stated in the leaflet).
CT Department
The CT department is based on the ground floor of the of King George 5th building. You may be given water or contrast (dye) to drink 30-45 minutes prior to the scan. In addition, you may be given an intravenous contrast injection, to improve the quality of the scan. It is important that you let the department know if you suffer from an allergy to intravenous contrast, if you have poor kidney function, if you have asthma or are being treated with Metformin for diabetes.
Further information and a description of what to expect when having a CT scan be found in the attached document. Please click here to download our leaflet about having a CT scan.
Useful links
The Royal College of Radiologists - this website provides a virtual tour and explanation of the different imaging services offered by hospitals.
