Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (Prostate) Simulation Prep

 

What is Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)? 

SBRT is a radiation treatment that uses a linear accelerator radiation machine to deliver a very high dose of radiation to a specific area in a very precise way. The precise radiation beam targets small tumors that are close to sensitive areas with less risk to your normal tissue. It is most often used to treat tumors in the spine, lungs, liver, abdomen, and prostate. For prostate cancer, 5 treatments are usually required.

How to prepare for treatment

It is important to follow these instructions to reduce possible side effects from treatment.
  1. To reduce urinary symptoms (weak stream, straining, waking up at night to go to the bathroom, etc.), please start taking the prescribed tamsulosin (Flomax) the day after your simulation (planning) session.
  2. Prepare your bladder before your simulation (planning) session and before each treatment:
    • Do not urinate for 1-2 hours before your simulation/treatment appointment.
    • If you are unable to hold the urine for that full 1-2 hours, please let your nurse know.
    • For your simulation (planning) appointment, your radiation oncologist may have a member of the nursing staff place a foley catheter prior to the planning scan. This is used to visualize the urethra for planning purposes.
  3. Prepare your bowels before your simulation (planning) session and before each treatment:
    • 2 hours prior to your planning session and each of your scheduled treatments, please administer a Fleet’s enema to eliminate all stool from the rectum.
    • If possible, use the Fleet’s enema when lying on your side with your legs bent. Insert the neck of the bottle into your anus and squeeze the contents into your bowels. Try to hold the liquid in for as long as possible, at least 10 minutes. After the enema, try to avoid heavy meals.

 

 

 

 

 

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