Prostate Booklet
Date issued: June 2019
For review: June 2021
Ref: B-437/CW/Radiotherapy/Prostate booklet
PDF: Prostate booklet final June 2019.pdf [pdf] 270KB
Radiotherapy to the prostate/prostate bed please read
CT Planning Scan
- You will receive an appointment to come for a Planning CT scan in Radiotherapy. The department is located within Plymouth Oncology Centre which is on Level 2.
- The purpose of this scan is so that your consultant can plan your treatment, there will not be any results or formal report.
- Approximately 1 week before your CT Planning Scan you will receive a phone call to find out more about your bladder and bowels and to give you some advice.
- When you attend for CT, we will be getting you in your treatment position and give you three permanent tattoo dots which will help us position you for your radiotherapy treatment.
- We will also need you to follow some instructions to prepare your bladder and bowel for the CT scan; you will need to follow these instructions for every radiotherapy treatment.
Why do I need to prepare my bladder and bowels?
As you can see from this diagram, the prostate gland sits very close to the bladder, rectum and small bowel. The prostate position can vary depending on the contents and size of your rectum and bladder.
If the contents of the bladder and rectum vary between your CT scan and your daily treatment, it could mean the prostate is in a different position to how it’s been planned.
We need you to:
- have a full bladder
- a small rectum
- minimal gas in your rectum
- Consistent bladder and bowel preparation
Which helps us:
- increase the accuracy of your treatment
- reduce the risk of long term side effects
How do I prepare my bladder and bowels?
Prior to your Planning CT scan and Radiotherapy Treatment, you need to ensure that you are well hydrated, which means drinking plenty of fluid. This does not have to be water alone.
- If you drink a lot of caffeine then you should cut down on this
- Reduce your intake of fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks or fruit juices.
- Avoid foods which you know cause you to be more gassy.
Bowel and Bladder Preparation
In order to achieve an empty rectum (back passage) and a comfortably full bladder we will get you to follow these steps.
|
Time |
Preparation |
Process |
|---|---|---|
|
1 hr before
|
USE MICRO ENEMA
|
To empty your rectum we require you to use a micro-enema. You will be given these when you see the doctor or when you come for your planning scan. |
|
1 hour – 45 mins before
|
EMPTY BLADDER & BOWELS
|
Allow up to 15 minutes for the micro-enema to take effect. Empty your bowels and your bladder at the same time.
|
|
40 - 30 mins before
|
Drink
|
Drink 500mls of water within the 10 minutes to fill your bladder and wait a further 30 minutes. |
|
Treatment time
|
READY FOR TREATMENT
|
Scan in using your check in card (this will be given to you on your first day). The radiographers will call you for your treatment. |
The above table is a guide, in some instances we may have to adjust timings/ volume of fluid. We DO NOT need you to be in the department 1hr before your CT planning scan.
Key points
- When on treatment you will need to be in the department 1 hour before your treatment appointment in order to perform your bowel and bladder preparation for the treatment.
- Please bring with you 2 ENEMAS and 2 X 500ML WATER when you come for your CT scan AND radiotherapy treatment
- To help make your treatment quicker and prevent delays in the department, we ask that you wear LOOSE CLOTHES and SLIP ON SHOES where possible
- Keep well HYDRATED
- You DO NOT need to change your diet; but if there any foods that make you very gassy, please cut down on these
**If you are unsure about your preparation please ask**
Important information
Car Park C is located close to the Oncology Centre. If you park here and bring your yellow chip coin, you can scan this at the reception desk in Oncology for a reduced car parking fee.
If you use hospital transport you will be brought to the department an hour before your treatment appointment in order to use your enema and fill your bladder as per bladder filling protocol.
