South Brisbane QLD 4101
Your treatment journey in 3 steps
Your treatment journey in 3 steps
Preparation for Prostate Radiation Therapy
For your prostate/prostate bed radiation therapy, your doctor has recommended you perform bladder & bowel preparation. This involves filling and holding your bladder at a certain size. This also involves emptying your bowels.
Benefits of bowel & bladder preparation
The prostate gland is located near the bladder and bowel, and its position changes with the fullness of these organs. Preparing your bladder and bowels can bring several benefits, including helping to stabilize the prostate gland for more precise treatment.
During prostate treatment, radiation may also affect the bladder and bowel. A full bladder can keep the small bowel away from the radiation area, while an empty bowel/rectum can help keep it away from the radiation area.
The large bowel is empty.
The bladder is full.
The prostate and seminal vesicles are inside the treatment area.
The small & large bowel are away from the treatment area.
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The large bowel is full of gas/matter.
The bladder is empty.
The prostate and seminal vesicles are pushed out of the treatment area.
The small & large bowel are close to the treatment area.
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Bladder preparation
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To prepare your bladder for your radiation planning appointment, drink lots of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Try to aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, and more in hotter months.
In the week before your CT planning appointment practice filling up your bladder.
To do this:
Empty your bladder
Drink 3 cups of water (about 750mL) in 5 minutes
Hold this for 30 minutes
When you arrive for your appointment, a radiation therapist will ask you to fill your bladder.
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To prepare your bladder for your radiation treatment appointments, drink lots of water throughout the day.
When you arrive for your treatment appointment:
Empty your bladder 35 minutes before your appointment time
Drink 3 cups (about 750mL) within 5 minutes
Hold this for 30 minutes
OR
As otherwise instructed.
Bowel preparation
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter stool softening medication to help keep your bowels empty for treatment. Follow the instructions carefully.
Additionally, taking short walks and drinking 6-8 cups of water per day can help with bladder preparation and bowel movement. It’s important to avoid tea and coffee 4 hours before appointments, but if you must, try to have them after your appointments.
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For your radiation therapy planning appointment, it is important that your bowels are empty and free of gas. To do this:
Start taking the stool softening agent two days before your CT planning appointment. It is best to take the softening agents in the evening with a glass of water. To help the medication do its job, drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Take the stool softening agent on the morning of your CT planning appointment. To help the medication do its job, drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment.
Try to empty your bowel 1-3 hours before your appointment.
After your appointment you can stop taking the stool softening agent unless otherwise instructed.
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For your radiation therapy treatment appointments, it is important that your bowels are empty and free of gas. To do this:
Start taking the stool softening agent two days before your first appointment. It is best to take the softening agents in the evening with a glass of water. To help the medication do its job, drink plenty of water throughout the day.
On the morning of your appointment, take the stool softening agent with water. Keep taking the stool softening agent throughout your treatment unless told otherwise
Frequently asked questions
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If you are unable to hold your bladder for 30 minutes after drinking the 3 cups of water, please let the Radiation Therapist know and they will advise you what to do.
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Stool softening agent is prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist to help ensure your bowel (rectum) is empty for your CT Planning and Treatment appointments. Please speak with your Radiation Oncologist if you have any concerns
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Try to have a bowel movement 1-3 hours before your daily radiation treatment. Try to pass any “gas” before each of your radiation treatments. Walking before your treatment can assist. You can speak to a Radiation Therapist if you have any concerns.
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Other drinks can dehydrate you. We recommend drinking only water for your bladder preparation.
If you have any concerns, talk to any member of the radiation therapy team.