What is Pediatric Imaging? You have been told that your child needs a radiological imaging test. Both you and your child are nervous; this is very natural and understandable. Your child is free to bring anything that comforts them during the tests. However, these items must not contain any metal parts. In almost all procedures, family members are allowed to enter the test rooms as well. Family members are not allowed in the test rooms if the mother is pregnant (except for ultrasound), if family members have metal implants (applies only to MRI), or if the child has been sedated with anesthesia for an invasive procedure. However, please do not bring other small children, as it is difficult for other children to wait in the waiting room with their families.
At TOMOKAY Medical Imaging, your children will encounter a level of care and service you have not seen anywhere else. We wish to provide the best service to you and your child with a group of professionals trained in pediatrics and dealing with children. TOMOKAY Medical Imaging has also made it a mission to reduce radiation doses in pediatric imaging. This low dose means we work with the minimum amount of radiation capable of diagnosing your child’s illness.
Procedures Suitable for Your Child Please click the links for more information.
X-ray: This procedure is painless and generally fast. It does not require special preparation. However, your child will be asked to stand or lie still on the X-ray table. Your child will also be asked to wear a lead apron. This ensures radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. Once your child is positioned correctly, the Technician will step away for a minute to turn on the X-ray machine.
CT: Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging method that obtains images with superior clarity by evaluating X-rays with a high-tech computer. The CT machine is a huge ring-shaped device surrounding a narrow table. The technician places your child on the table and slowly slides the table into the ring-shaped device. Depending on age, developmental level, and the length of the procedure, a sedative may be given by a nurse. Your child needs to remain completely still during the test. Generally, a CT scan takes no longer than 10 minutes. For some special examinations, your child may need to drink a special liquid or have a contrast agent injected into a vein to make the images clearer.
Fluoroscopy: This procedure uses X-rays to image internal organs while they are in motion. This gives the Radiologist the opportunity to examine the anatomy and functions of the internal organ. Preparation for this test varies depending on the type of film to be taken. While an empty stomach and bowel are required for an Upper GI (esophagus, stomach, duodenum) test, no preparation is required for a Pediatric Cystourethrogram. Please follow the preparations required for your test before your appointment.
Ultrasound: This simple and quick procedure uses sound waves to examine the structure of soft tissues and internal organs. Our radiologist applies a warm, clear gel to the area of the body to be examined. Using a tool called a probe, they begin imaging by gently pressing on the area of your child to be examined. Ultrasound requires no preliminary preparation. However, if the abdomen or pelvic region is to be examined, your child should consume fluids and not eat solid food before the test. Your child can continue their daily life after the ultrasound.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance (MRI) is an imaging process that passes radio waves through a strong magnetic field, maps the frequencies of these radio waves as they differentiate while passing through body parts, and converts them into understandable images. Radio waves do not contain radiation. There is no harm to the body. An MRI usually takes 10-30 minutes. However, this time may vary depending on which part of the body is being examined. Please inform our center if your child has any metal parts inside them. Contrast agent injection may be required. During the test, your child will lie on the MRI table, and the table will move towards the machine’s strong magnet. Depending on age, developmental level, and the length of the test, anesthesia may be applied. The technician will not be in the room during the examination. However, your child will be able to communicate with the Technicians at any moment via a microphone and speaker system.
<h3>Imaging for Abdominal Pain</h3> What is imaging for abdominal pain? Abdominal pain is a common complaint in childhood at all ages. Many diseases can cause abdominal pain. Therefore, it should be examined carefully, and treatment should be administered after a correct diagnosis. The indispensable first method is ULTRASOUND. Almost all morphological (structural changes in organs) pathologies can be diagnosed.
What should I expect? TOMOKAY can diagnose diseases such as Acute Appendicitis, sometimes Chronic Appendicitis, diverticulitis, and intussusception (telescoping of the intestines), which are important causes of abdominal pain, with 100% accuracy. You can bring your child directly to our center or come with a request form provided by your doctor. Additionally, if your child has had abdominal pain for a long time and the complaint persists despite treatments, or if a diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) has been made, we strongly recommend having an Ultrasound performed by our Specialist Doctor. If no disease is detected with Ultrasound and complaints continue, your diagnosis can be made with other medical imaging devices available at TOMOKAY.
When will I receive the results? You will receive your result report within 15 minutes after the scan.
<h3>Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)</h3> What is voiding cystourethrography? The scan must be performed on a Fluoroscopic X-ray Device (X-ray with a screen/monitor). A catheter is inserted into the bladder, and the bladder is filled with diluted serum with contrast. X-rays are taken while watching on the screen while the bladder is full, while urinating, and after urinating. It is investigated whether there is urine leakage from the urinary tract (both ureters) to the kidneys. Additionally, X-rays of the urinary canal (urethra) after the bladder are taken. Urine leakage from the bladder to the kidneys is called Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) disease. It is the only Medical Imaging method for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux disease. Therefore, it is a very important scan. Make sure to have this examination done at a trusted center.
What are the essentials for this scan? If it is taken on an X-ray device without a screen (fluoroscopy), urine leakage to the kidneys may be missed (i.e., mistakenly evaluated as normal). This is because, with a TV/monitor, the examination is performed accompanied by a live broadcast, monitoring frequently. It must be taken by or under the supervision of a Specialist Doctor. X-rays must be taken while urinating. Since radiation is present because it is performed on an X-ray device; since this film cannot be taken repeatedly, it must be taken with care at a trusted center. At TOMOKAY, your examination will be performed with extreme care accompanied by our experienced Specialist Doctor.
What should I expect? It will be determined whether there is urine leakage to the kidneys; if there is, its degree will be determined (there are 5 stages from mild to severe, and staging will be done), and accordingly, follow-up or surgical treatment will be decided. However, since your diagnosis is made, everything will be easier from now on. If there is no vesicoureteral reflux, you will have received good news.
How should I prepare? No preparation is done for children. We recommend you be at TOMOKAY 30 minutes before your appointment time.
When can I get the result? The results of contrast examinations are usually given 1 hour after the scan. In some special examinations, test reports may be given 1 day later.
<h3>Hip Ultrasound (Hip US)</h3> What is hip ultrasound? Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a disease that can occur in the mother’s womb, while the baby is being born, or within a few months after birth in newborn babies. For diagnosis, a comparative ultrasound is absolutely performed on both hips of the baby. If there is developmental hip dysplasia disease in the family, a hip ultrasound should be performed as soon as the baby is born. Otherwise, hip ultrasound is recommended when the baby is two months old. Never swaddle newborn babies. In hip dysplasia disease, babies do not have any complaints/pain. In some babies, there may be asymmetry in the groin and leg folds. In such cases, get an ultrasound immediately. Whether there is hip dysplasia or not is diagnosed 100% with hip ultrasound. Do not have a hip X-ray taken for your babies for diagnosis as much as possible. HIP X-RAY is rarely used for diagnosis because it contains radiation. Although Hip Ultrasound is very important for diagnosis, if it is not done by a Radiologist who is an expert in this field, false positive (reported as present when there is no DDH) and false negative (reported as normal when there is DDH) results are unfortunately common. In developed countries, hip ultrasound is performed on all newborn babies. Your doctor may request a hip ultrasound, or you can come directly to TOMOKAY. IF THERE IS HIP DYSPLASIA IN YOUR FAMILY, DEFINITELY HAVE A HIP ULTRASOUND PERFORMED ON NEWBORN BABIES. Dr. Ertan OKAY has been performing Hip Ultrasounds for 23 years and is one of the firsts in Bursa and Turkey. Let us apply our vast experience to your baby as well. A detailed hip ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes at TOMOKAY. It is ensured that the baby is calm during the ultrasound. Special practices are carried out in our center for this. Two latest model COLOR 4D ULTRASONOGRAPHY devices are used at TOMOKAY.
How should I prepare? We recommend that you bring a pacifier, bottle (for water and formula), a favorite toy (a toy with sound is preferred), a spare diaper, and spare clothes to keep your baby calm during the US. We prefer the mother to be with the baby. If available, bring their previous examinations as well.
What should I expect? It is sufficient to know that the presence or absence of DDH will be diagnosed 100% at TOMOKAY. Our center is a reference point throughout Turkey in this regard.
When will I receive the results? You will receive your results 15 minutes after the examination. According to the ultrasound result, it will be determined whether your baby needs any treatment; if necessary, the type of treatment will be determined. Also, with follow-up ultrasounds to be performed during treatment, the degree of recovery and how long the treatment will take will be understood. If diagnosed early, tools called orthoses (like a harness) are generally used for treatment to keep the baby’s legs in a special open position. If the diagnosis is delayed, more difficult treatment methods such as casts and surgery may be required.
How can I make an appointment? You can make an appointment by calling our center at (0224) 4525959 – 0533 7252216, sending an email, or via our website.
<h3>Upper GI Series (Esophagus – Stomach – Duodenum X-ray)</h3> What is an Esophagus – Stomach – Duodenum X-ray? An Esophagus – Stomach – Duodenum X-ray is the examination of the stomach and duodenum by drinking Barium. The need for this examination has decreased after endoscopic methods started to be used. However, it is still an important diagnostic method when anatomical integrity needs to be seen. In children too small to drink the liquid, it is given via a bottle or rarely via a catheter.
How should I prepare? If you are going to have any upper gastrointestinal system film taken, do not drink water, do not take any medication, and do not chew gum on your appointment day. Do not eat or drink anything starting from 22:00 (10 PM) the night before your appointment. The Esophagus – Stomach – Duodenum X-ray takes approximately 30 minutes.
What should I expect? You need to drink a contrast agent. A white, thick liquid will be fed to the child by our Specialist Doctor during the scan. Thus, your Esophagus, Stomach, and Duodenum will be more clearly visible on the X-ray. If the film is to be taken with the double-contrast method, you will also be asked to drink a solution like Alka-Seltzer. While swallowing or drinking the barium, our Specialist Doctor will observe the swallowing and drinking function from the fluoroscope screen and take X-rays during this time.
When will I receive the results? Information regarding when you will receive your results will be given to you at our center. Under normal conditions, you can receive your results within 1-2 hours.
<h3>Pediatric Colon X-ray (Barium Enema)</h3> What is a Barium Colon X-ray? A Barium Colon Radiogram is the examination of the large intestine (colon) with X-rays for diagnostic purposes. With this procedure, abnormalities such as narrow segments and narrowing in the colon, colon inflammation (colitis), colon cancer, polyps, diverticula, and similar issues are examined in children.
How should I prepare? Generally, no preparation is required for small children. They are only asked to have a bowel movement if they need to at that moment. In older children, preparation similar to adults may be required, to be decided based on the disease being investigated (It is appropriate to consume only liquid foods for two days before the examination. All kinds of solid food should strictly not be eaten. You can consume things like soup, tea, and pulp-free fruit juice). One day before the examination, give the child 1/4 of the medicine given to you (Ricilax, castor oil) at noon. Give another 1/4 in the evening. Do not eat or drink anything after the evening. Do not eat breakfast on the day you will have the examination. You can only drink water and pulp-free fruit juice.
What should I expect? A harmless natural substance, Barium Sulfate, is sent inside through a narrow tube placed in the child’s anus. Barium outlines the inner wall of the colon. As the colon fills, the Radiologist monitors the developments on the screen and takes images of the colon with the fluoroscopic X-ray machine. You may be asked to stand in different positions. Thus, a clearer image of a specific desired area can be obtained. After your colon is filled and the Radiologist takes images with the fluoroscope, the Technician takes a few extra images. At this point, a feeling of fullness in the colon and an urge to defecate occurs. However, unless cramping occurs, our patients do not suffer any pain. You will be able to go to the toilet immediately after the shooting is finished. This process takes between 15-30 minutes.
When will I receive the results? Information regarding when you will receive your results will be given to you at our center. Under normal conditions, you can receive your results within 1-2 hours.
<h3>Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrography</h3> What is voiding cystourethrography? The scan must be performed on a Fluoroscopic X-ray Device (X-ray with a screen). A catheter is inserted into the bladder, and the bladder is filled with diluted serum with contrast. X-rays are taken while watching on the screen while the bladder is full, while urinating, and after urinating. It is investigated whether there is urine leakage from the urinary tract (both ureters) to the kidneys. Additionally, X-rays of the urinary canal (urethra) after the bladder are taken. Urine leakage from the bladder to the kidneys is called Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) disease. It is the only Medical Imaging method for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux disease. Therefore, it is a very important scan. Make sure to have this examination done at a trusted center.
What are the essentials for this scan? If it is taken on an X-ray device without a screen (fluoroscopy), urine leakage to the kidneys may be missed (i.e., mistakenly evaluated as normal). This is because, with a TV/monitor, the examination is performed accompanied by a live broadcast, monitoring frequently. It must be taken by or under the supervision of a Specialist Doctor. X-rays must be taken while urinating. Since radiation is present because it is performed on an X-ray device; since this film cannot be taken repeatedly, it must be taken with care at a trusted center. At TOMOKAY, your examination will be performed with extreme care accompanied by our experienced Specialist Doctor.
What should I expect? It will be determined whether there is urine leakage to the kidneys; if there is, its degree will be determined (there are 5 stages from mild to severe, and staging will be done), and accordingly, follow-up or surgical treatment will be decided. However, since your diagnosis is made, everything will be easier from now on. If there is no vesicoureteral reflux, you will have received good news.
How should I prepare? No preparation is done for children. We recommend you be at TOMOKAY 30 minutes before your appointment time.
When can I get the result? The results of contrast examinations are usually given 1 hour after the scan. In some special examinations, test reports may be given 1 day later.
<h3>Pediatric Transfontanellar US</h3> What is transfontanellar ultrasound? In babies, there is a soft part on the top of the head called the fontanelle (soft spot). Normally, since bone does not allow the passage of sound waves, what lies behind the bones cannot be seen with ultrasound. However, since the fontanelle does not block sound waves, the inside of the head (brain) can be seen clearly from this section.
What should I expect? Whether there is any disease in your baby’s brain will be diagnosed with Ultrasound without using any harmful energy. Is there an abnormality in the brain tissue? Is there pathology in the fluid parts called cerebrospinal fluid inside the brain? Has there been any damage to the brain in case of oxygen deprivation? Is there bleeding? Also, is there pathology in the skull bones and the soft tissue outside the bone? These will be understood. TOMOKAY has great experience in this regard. The two color 4D ultrasound devices in our center are state-of-the-art products, and your detailed diagnosis will be made.
How should I prepare? No preparation is required. Your baby needs to be calm. Have toys, a pacifier, formula, a bottle, etc., with you to help with this.
When will I receive the results? Information regarding when you will receive your results will be given to you at our center. Under normal conditions, you can receive your results within 15 minutes to 1 hour.