Nursing methods during radiotherapy for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer patients can undergo radiotherapy after surgery. During radiotherapy, the following care methods should be taken:

Preparation before radiotherapy

Do not eat a full meal 3 hours before simulation positioning and treatment. Oral or intravenous contrast agents can be used for CT simulation positioning. There are organs such as kidneys, liver, spleen, and small intestine that are sensitive to radiation around the stomach. Before radiotherapy, technicians should accurately position them, preferably using a fixation device to ensure repeatability of the position. Instruct patients to use the supine position for simulation positioning and treatment.

Pay attention to adverse reactions during radiotherapy

During radiotherapy, reduce unnecessary radiation doses to normal tissues, including the liver, kidneys, spinal cord, and heart, and try to reduce doses to the lungs and left ventricle, with the dose to the left ventricle being minimized. Stabilize the patient's position to avoid radiation damage to surrounding tissues and organs. During radiotherapy, the irradiated area needs to be exposed, so keep the patient's shoulders and upper limbs warm to prevent cold.

Managing complications during radiotherapy

Nursing methods for reflex gastritis: Use antiemetics prophylactically as prescribed by the doctor, and use drugs to protect the gastric mucosa prophylactically. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain often occur a few days after radiotherapy, and can be relieved by symptomatic treatment. Generally, patients can tolerate it and it does not affect the radiotherapy. Nursing of radiation enteritis: Patients show high-level incomplete intestinal obstruction. Give spasmolytics and analgesics as prescribed by the doctor, and give easily digestible and light diet.