Name of the Procedure:

Special Teletherapy Port Plan, Particles, Hemibody, Total Body
Common name(s): Total body irradiation (TBI), Hemibody irradiation

Summary

This procedure involves directing radiation to large areas of the body, either the entire body or one half, using advanced technology to treat certain medical conditions like cancer. It's a non-invasive method and part of a broader cancer treatment plan which might include chemotherapy and stem-cell transplants.

Purpose

The procedure is primarily used to:

• Treat cancers that have spread throughout the body
• Prepare the body for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant The expected outcome is to destroy malignant cells, suppress the immune system to prevent transplant rejection, or shrink tumors before other treatment.

Indications

• Widespread cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma
• Preparation for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• Certain solid tumors that cannot be targeted effectively with localized radiation

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo diagnostic imaging such as CT or MRI scans to assist in planning the radiation treatment.
• Fasting might be required a few hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments in current medication could be necessary; patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications and supplements they are taking.

Procedure Description

1. Consultation: Prior to the procedure, a detailed consultation and simulation session are held to plan the precise delivery of radiation.
2. Positioning: The patient is carefully positioned on a specialized treatment table to ensure exact targeting.
3. Shielding: Lead shields may be used to protect certain body parts from radiation.
4. Radiation Delivery: Advanced machines deliver measured doses of radiation to the body. For total body irradiation, the whole body is evenly exposed; for hemibody irradiation, only one half is treated.
5. Monitoring: During the session, the patient is continuously monitored to ensure safety and precise delivery.

Duration

• Each session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, though the total treatment course may span several days.

Setting

• The procedure is performed in a hospital's radiation oncology department or a specialized outpatient center.

Personnel

• Radiation oncologists
• Medical physicists
• Radiation therapists
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Short-term side effects include fatigue, nausea, and skin changes
• Long-term risks can include secondary cancers, damage to organs, or infertility
• Rare complications may involve severe infections or radiation sickness

Benefits

• Effective in treating widespread cancers
• Can help prevent transplant rejection
• Often leads to a better prognosis when combined with other treatments

Recovery

• Patients may experience fatigue and other side effects for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor recovery and manage side effects.
• Patients will receive specific care instructions, which may include rest, hydration, and nutritional guidance.

Alternatives

• Chemotherapy alone
• Targeted radiation therapy for localized tumors
• Immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy
• Each alternative has its pros and cons, such as varying side effect profiles and effectiveness, depending on the specific medical condition.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel tired or weak during and after the procedure.
• There could be a sensation of warmth during radiation delivery.
• Pain management strategies and supportive care will be in place to ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment process.