RESUMO
There are currently at least 2 million people in the UK living with and following a cancer diagnosis. Typically four out of every ten people with cancer will receive radiotherapy, but a large proportion of people who have pelvic radiotherapy may go on to develop gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. This includes rectal bleeding and faecal incontinence, which can have a huge impact on quality of life. These problems often go under-reported by patients and are also under-recognised or under-treated by health professionals. Cancer survivorship is a growing topic that is likely to have a major impact on the NHS, with increasing numbers of patients presenting. A late GI effects of pelvic radiotherapy clinic was set up to address these growing needs of patients with GI symptoms following radiotherapy. This article also shares insights from a doctoral study that is underway looking at people's experiences of living with symptoms following their treatment, in order to improve awareness of the major impact that this can have.
Assuntos
Síndrome da Alça Cega/enfermagem , Neoplasias Pélvicas/radioterapia , Padrões de Prática em Enfermagem , Radioterapia/efeitos adversos , Doenças Retais/enfermagem , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Ácidos e Sais Biliares/metabolismo , Síndrome da Alça Cega/etiologia , Carboidratos da Dieta/metabolismo , Gastroenteropatias/etiologia , Gastroenteropatias/enfermagem , Humanos , Síndromes de Malabsorção/etiologia , Síndromes de Malabsorção/metabolismo , Síndromes de Malabsorção/enfermagem , Satisfação do Paciente , Pelve , Doenças Retais/etiologia , SobreviventesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Nurses need to have a clear understanding of the reasons for effective bowel preparation for patients undergoing imaging of the rectum and colon. CONCLUSION: Depending on the specific investigation, a variety of effective oral and rectal preparations are available. One of the most important deciding factors in choosing which should be used is patient tolerance.