Name of the Procedure:

Radiation Treatment Delivery, Single Treatment Area, Single Port or Parallel Opposed Ports, Simple Blocks or No Blocks: 20 MEV or Greater (G6006)

Summary

This procedure delivers targeted radiation therapy to a specific area of the body, using either a single port or parallel opposed ports. It is designed to treat cancerous tissues with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Purpose

Radiation therapy is primarily used to treat cancer. The goal is to destroy cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Indications

• Diagnosed with cancer requiring targeted radiation therapy.
• Specific tumors located in areas accessible by single port or parallel opposed ports.
• Patient is a candidate for high-energy radiation treatment (20 MEV or greater).

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to map the treatment area.
• Instructions may include dietary restrictions or medication adjustments.
• Patients should arrange transportation and post-procedure care, as they may feel fatigued afterward.

Procedure Description

1. Positioning: The patient is positioned on the treatment table, often using immobilization devices to ensure proper alignment.
2. Port Mapping: Radiation therapists align the radiation equipment based on the maps created from imaging tests.
3. Radiation Delivery: Radiation beams are directed at the cancerous area via a single port or parallel opposed ports, with simple blocks or no blocks employed to protect surrounding tissues.
4. Monitoring: The radiation team monitors the patient and equipment from an adjacent room.

Tools include linear accelerators and computer systems for precise delivery. Typically, anesthesia or sedation is not required.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes per session.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in a hospital's radiation oncology department, outpatient clinic, or a specialized cancer treatment center.

Personnel

• Radiation Oncologist: Oversees the treatment plan.
• Medical Physicist: Ensures the proper delivery of the radiation doses.
• Radiation Therapist: Operates the radiation equipment.
• Nurses: Provide patient support and care.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Skin irritation, fatigue, mild to moderate pain in the treated area.
• Rare Complications: Damage to nearby organs, secondary cancers, severe skin burns.

Benefits

• Reduction or elimination of cancer cells.
• Potential shrinkage of tumors.
• Relief from symptoms associated with tumors, such as pain or pressure.

These benefits can often be observed after several treatment sessions.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure: Patients may experience some fatigue and skin irritation.
• Care: Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress.
• Recovery Time: Varies; some patients may resume normal activities shortly, while others require more rest.

Alternatives

• Surgery: Physically removes tumors but involves more invasive measures.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment using drugs, often with more general side effects.
• Immunotherapy: Works to boost the body’s own immune response to fight cancer.

Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, depending on the patient's specific condition and overall health.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients may feel nothing or slight discomfort as the machine moves around them; the actual radiation delivery is painless.
• Post-Procedure: Some side effects like fatigue or skin changes are common. Pain management and supportive care are provided to enhance comfort.

Regular follow-up ensures that any side effects or complications are managed promptly.