Bladder and Bowel Preparation for Prostate Radiation
Why is it important to have an empty rectum and full bladder?
Your bladder and rectum are very close to your prostate, so they can change the position of your prostate. By keeping these organs the same size for your simulation and daily radiation treatments, your radiation therapy will be more accurate. This will also help to reduce some of the side effects from your radiation therapy.
Follow the instructions below on the day of your simulation, and each day of your radiation treatments:
Ensure you are well hydrated a few days prior to your simulation and during you course of treatment (i.e. during the weeks you are receiving your radiation treatment.)
You can maintain a comfortably full bladder for simulation and treatment by:
- Do not urinate for 1-2 hours before your simulation/treatment appointment.
- Do not urinate again until after simulation/treatment
- If you are unable to hold the urine for that full 1-2 hours, please let your nurses know.
You can maintain an empty rectum for simulation and treatment by:
- Try to have a bowel movement within the four hours before simulation and each of your radiation treatments.
- Try to pass any gas (flatus) one hour prior to simulation and each of your treatments.
- If you do not have a bowel movement every day, please talk with the nurses.