Radiation Therapy For The Baldder

Radiation Therapy to the Bladder

Radiation Oncology Clinic:

After giving the consent to start radiotherapy for one of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, the Radiation Oncologist and the team will provide you and your family with the appropriate health care and support throughout your radiotherapy treatment.

Simulation and Planning for Radiotherapy:
  • Duration of the appointment: 45 minutes to an hour.
  • What will happen? You will have a CT scan that simulates your treatment position; by lying on your back with the help of a knee-rest to comfort your knees, lower back, and legs.
  • N.B:
    • Empty urinary bladder and rectum before your CT simulation.
    • You do not have to fast.
What is the simulation and planning device?

It is a computerized tomography (CT) device containing special computer software that gives a detailed CT scan to the pelvis, to help the radiation oncology team to plan your treatment.

Step by Step procedure for Bladder Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy sessions:
  • Duration of the session: 15 minutes. It may last for a longer time in some exceptional cases.
What happens during the radiotherapy session?
  1. Radiation therapists check the treatment plan before starting the therapy sessions.
  2. Radiation therapists reproduce your CT simulation’s position and use the knee-rest and the tattoo marks on your body.
  3. Before starting the session, an X-ray is taken to make sure that you are in the same correct position as the CT simulation and that your urinary bladder is empty. Any modifications are made as required.
  4. After confirming that you are in the right position, your session will start.
  • The images during the radiotherapy are not diagnostic; they are used only to verify the patient’s position during radiotherapy sessions.
  • During your treatment, you will meet your doctor once a week. You should inform your doctor regarding any side effects you may experience to get the needed help and advice.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES RELATED TO YOUR TREATMENT, WE RECOMMEND DIRECTING THEM TO:
  • The radiation therapist on every visit.
  • Your doctor or the nurse on your weekly follow-up clinic.
N.B YOUR RADIATION THERAPIST WILL INFORM YOU TO GO TO THE WASHROOM TO EMPTY YOUR BLADDER BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT.