Name of the Procedure:

Supervision, Handling, Loading of Radiation Source Common name(s): Radiation Source Management, Brachytherapy Source Loading

Summary

This procedure involves the careful supervision, handling, and precise loading of radiation sources used in certain types of cancer treatment, specifically brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor.

Purpose

The procedure targets cancerous tumors by delivering high doses of radiation precisely to the affected area, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The goal is to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, and improve survival rates.

Indications

• Patients with localized cancers, such as prostate, cervical, uterine, breast, and skin cancers.
• Tumors that are not amenable to external beam radiation.
• Situations where precision in radiation delivery is critical.

Preparation

• Patients may undergo imaging studies (CT scan, MRI) to locate the tumor accurately.
• Fasting might be required if anesthesia or sedation is involved.
• Instructions to avoid certain medications that could increase bleeding risk.
• Consultation with oncologists and radiologists.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: Initial imaging to confirm tumor location.
2. Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia may be administered.
3. Placement: Using imaging guidance, applicators or catheters are placed close to or within the tumor.
4. Loading: The radiation source is carefully loaded into the applicators or catheters, ensuring precision.
5. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring to ensure accurate delivery and dosage.
6. Removal: After the prescribed time, the radiation source and applicators are removed.

Tools and equipment: Imaging machines (CT, MRI), applicators, catheters, radiation sources, anesthesia equipment.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity and tumor location.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital's radiology or oncology department, sometimes in specialized brachytherapy units.

Personnel

• Radiation oncologists
• Medical physicists
• Radiologists
• Oncology nurses
• Anesthesiologists (if sedation or general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Local irritation, temporary swelling, discomfort at the site.
• Rare: Infection, bleeding, unintended radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues, allergic reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

• High precision in targeting the tumor.
• Increased efficacy with fewer side effects compared to external beam radiation.
• Shortened treatment times with potentially quicker symptom relief.

Recovery

• Post-procedure observation for a few hours if anesthesia was used.
• Instructions on wound care if applicators caused minor skin breaks.
• Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow-up appointments for imaging and to monitor treatment efficacy.

Alternatives

• External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Less invasive but potentially less precise.
• Surgery: Can be definitive but carries typical surgical risks.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment but may cause serious side effects.
• Pros and cons should be discussed with the treatment team.

Patient Experience

• Some discomfort or pressure during applicator placement.
• Potential mild pain managed with medications.
• General fatigue post-procedure.
• Clear instructions and support from healthcare providers to ensure comfort and manage side effects.