THE INFLUENCE OF ANESTHESIA IN INTRACAVITARY BRACHYTHERAPY IN LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER - SINGLE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Brachytherapy is important and potentially curative treatment for patients with inoperable locally advanced cervical cancer. Depending on the local finding the radioactive source application can cause serious discomfort to the patient, anxiety, followed by pain. Some patients experienced severe uterine pain. In selected patients, anesthesiological assessment and support is of great importance, because this is a way to realized the treatment. Because of that the anesthesiologist is a vital member of the brachytherapy team. Anaesthesiologists play a key role in the ongoing challenge to provide safe and pain-free conditions for an optimum brachytherapy treatment effect.