Scan eligibility
PET-CT With a Stoma: — What You Need to Know
A colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy does not prevent you from having a PET-CT scan. Most patients with a stoma are scanned without difficulty. A few small preparations make the experience smoother and the images easier to read.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed September 2026
- Not a barrier to scanning — A stoma does not prevent PET-CT. Most patients with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy can be scanned.
- One extra step — Emptying your stoma bag before the scan is the main preparation that differs from the standard.
- The stoma site can show uptake — Tell the team in advance so the radiologist can account for it when reading your images.
- Bring spare supplies — You may want to change your bag after the scan — bring what you normally use.
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A stoma does not stop you having a PET-CT scan. Most patients with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy can be scanned without difficulty. You should empty your stoma bag before arriving, tell the imaging team in advance, and bring spare stoma supplies. The scan itself is the same as for anyone else.
CION does PET-CT in Hyderabad from Rs 10,499 — among the lowest published prices in the city, with no hidden charges. Indicative price, as of September 2026.
How does preparation differ from a standard PET-CT?
| Preparation step | Standard patient | Patient with a stoma |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting | Required — your team will confirm how long | Same requirement applies |
| Blood glucose check | Done on arrival | Same — done on arrival |
| Exercise restriction | Avoid strenuous activity the day before | Same restriction applies |
| Stoma bag | Not applicable | Empty before leaving home, or on arrival |
| What to bring | Comfortable clothing and referral documents | Add spare bags, wafers, and adhesive supplies |
| Advance notice to the team | Not usually required | Yes — note stoma type and which side it is on |
Your pre-scan checklist
- Tell the imaging coordinator about your stoma when you book.
- Fast for the number of hours your team specifies — usually four to six hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise the day before the scan.
- Empty your stoma bag before you leave home, or as soon as you arrive.
- Bring at least two spare bags, wafers, and any adhesive products you normally use.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing — you will need to lie flat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remind the radiographer on the day: your stoma type and which side it is on.
Will the stoma area show up on the scan?
The bowel near the stoma can show increased FDG uptake on PET-CT. This is a well-recognised pattern that experienced radiologists expect — it does not automatically suggest cancer.
What matters is telling the imaging team about your stoma before the scan. When the radiologist knows where your stoma is and what type it is, they can account for that uptake when reading the images.
If you did not mention it when you booked, tell the radiographer when you arrive. It is information they need, and they will note it in the report.
PET-CT Partner Centres
PET-CT Scan Centres in Hyderabad
CION offers PET-CT scans through 4 trusted partner PET-CT centres across Hyderabad, so you can choose the one closest to you. Call 18002028726 and we’ll guide you to the earliest available appointment.
PET-CT Centre — Punjagutta
PET-CT Centre — Himayatnagar
PET-CT Centre — Narayanaguda
These are partner diagnostic centres within the CION network. Toll-free booking: 18002028726.
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Are there any practical issues during the scan?
Lying flat for 20 to 30 minutes is more comfortable when your bag is empty, which is why emptying it beforehand is the most important step. Most patients find the procedure straightforward once the bag is empty.
Your bag does not need to be removed during the scan. If your bag fills during the waiting period after the injection — which can last up to an hour — ask the radiographer before you enter the scanner.
Do not leave the department to empty your bag without telling the staff. Once the tracer has been injected, stay within the area the team has allocated until the scan is complete.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your referring doctor before the appointment is confirmed. PET-CT uses ionising radiation and is not given in pregnancy except in exceptional circumstances decided by your specialist.
Did you know?
The gut — including around a stoma — is one of the most common sites of physiological FDG uptake on PET-CT.
Radiologists use the clinical context and the pattern of distribution to distinguish gut activity from disease. Telling the team about your stoma in advance is what makes that distinction reliable.
Source: EANM/SNMMI Procedure Guidelines for Tumour Imaging with FDG-PET/CT
Questions stoma patients ask about PET-CT
Do I need a different referral or special approval because of my stoma?
No. Your referring doctor requests the PET-CT in the usual way. Your stoma does not create an additional administrative step. It is worth asking your doctor to note it on the request so the imaging team is prepared. At CION, PET-CT is coordinated with partner imaging centres — your coordinator will confirm which centre is being used and any specific instructions for you.
Will my stoma bag affect the image quality?
A standard stoma bag is unlikely to cause significant artefact. The CT part of the scan will show the bag and its contents, which the radiologist will account for in the report. If you use a belt or clip with metal components, mention it when you arrive. Bring your usual bag rather than a special one, unless the imaging team advises otherwise.
My stoma is very active. Is that a problem?
Not usually. Emptying the bag before the scan manages the immediate concern. If your stoma is particularly active, tell the booking team when you call — they may be able to schedule your appointment at a time when output is typically lower, or offer advice specific to your stoma type. Your stoma nurse can also advise on preparation for the day.
I have an ileostomy, not a colostomy. Does that change anything?
The approach is the same. Whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, the preparation steps are similar: empty the bag, tell the team in advance, bring spare supplies. Different stoma types may show different levels of activity on the PET images, and the radiologist interprets the findings accordingly. Your stoma nurse is a good person to ask if you have specific questions about managing on the day.
Can the FDG tracer come out through the stoma?
No. FDG is injected into a vein in your arm and is taken up by cells through the bloodstream. It does not enter the bowel lumen or come out through the stoma. The activity seen near the stoma on the PET images reflects the metabolic activity of the bowel wall and surrounding tissue — not the tracer migrating through the stoma opening.
Is there anything special to do after the scan?
There are no additional precautions for stoma patients after a PET-CT. Drink plenty of fluids to help clear the tracer, and change your bag as normal. If you are travelling home through an airport or a building with radiation detection equipment, carry the letter or card your imaging centre provides — a PET-CT scan can occasionally trigger those detectors for a short period after the procedure.
A whole-body PET-CT at CION is Rs 10,499 — among the lowest published prices in Hyderabad — with a free Rs 950 oncologist consultation to talk through your report. Indicative price, as of September 2026.
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Your next step
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a PET-CT if I have a stoma?
Yes. A stoma — colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy — does not prevent PET-CT. Most patients are scanned without any special procedure. The main differences are emptying your bag before the scan and telling the imaging team in advance so the radiologist can interpret the images correctly.
How long does the appointment take?
The total visit is usually two to three hours: a waiting period of around 45 to 60 minutes after the tracer injection, then 20 to 30 minutes in the scanner. The scan duration is the same as for any other patient. Allow a little extra time to empty your bag on arrival and to speak to the radiographer before the scan.
What if I need to empty my stoma bag during the appointment?
Tell the radiographer before entering the scanner if you need to empty your bag. If the injection has already been given, tell the staff before you leave the waiting area — you should not leave the department unaccompanied while the tracer is active. Asking is always better than waiting until you are uncomfortable.
Does the stoma area need to be shielded during the scan?
No shielding is needed. The imaging beam passes through the body uniformly and does not need to avoid the stoma site. You wear your normal bag. Emptying it before lying down is the one practical step — it makes the scan more comfortable and reduces artefact from bag contents on the CT images.
Will my stoma nurse need to come with me?
No. Your stoma nurse does not need to be present at the scan. If you have questions about managing your stoma on the day — irrigation schedules, what to eat beforehand, difficult days — speak to your stoma nurse before the appointment. The imaging team handles the scan itself.
Is PET-CT available at CION for patients with a stoma?
Yes. PET-CT for patients treated at CION centres is coordinated with partner imaging centres. When your appointment is arranged, mention your stoma so the imaging centre is prepared. CION does not own the imaging equipment — your scan will be at a partner centre, and the report is shared with your CION team.