Radiation Therapy For The Pelvis

Radiation Therapy to the Pelvis

Radiation Oncology Clinic:

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

Radiation Therapy (Pelvis area)
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:
    • Instructions for preparing the urinary bladder and rectum must be followed.
    • You do not have to fast unless your doctor requests a CT with contrast.
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 Pelvis 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 radiotherapy 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 position as the CT simulation and that your urinary bladder is full. 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.
Bladder and Bowel Preparation​
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: IN SPECIAL CASES THAT HAVE RECTUM OR COLON RADIOTHERAPY, THE ONCOLOGY CONSULTANT MAY PRESCRIBE SOME MEDICATIONS TO BE TAKEN ALONG WITH THE RADIOTHERAPY. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR ONCOLOGY TEAM.