Bariatric diagnostic CT scanning: A radiotherapy perspective

• Rising obesity in the UK has highlighted a shortage of diagnostic imaging facilities.
• Large bore CT scanners are the scanner of choice for radiotherapy planning.
• Technical capability, manual handling and psycho-social issues have been explored.
• Bariatric diagnostic imaging facilitated by inter-professional collaboration.

Obesity is increasing in the United Kingdom. Equipment available for this patient group including wheelchairs, beds and hoists is becoming more common in the hospital environment; diagnostic imaging equipment that can accommodate bariatric patients has not increased at the same rate. Subsequently these service-users are often unable to receive “gold-standard” cross-sectional imaging within their patient-pathway. This paper highlights how a diagnostic imaging department has utilised wide-bore CT scanning equipment within the radiotherapy setting to ensure an equitable service for all service users. Through literature review and local experience, a standard operating procedure and scanning service has been developed. Areas explored include technical consideration of scanner design; patient positioning; image artefacts and intravenous contrast administration. Also investigated is patient wellbeing incorporating manual handling, respiration and psycho-social needs. Additionally, demonstration of how interprofessional collaboration by diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers can ensure the best imaging experience and outcome for this patient group.