What is a Smit sleeve placement?
The Smit sleeve is placed in cervico-uterine canal at the time of the first applicator insertion. It maintains the cervix dilated for subsequent applicator insertions throughout brachytherapy. Different types of cervical sleeve modifications have been used in prior studies [9, 10].
How is brachytherapy done for cervical cancer?
Brachytherapy for cervical cancer can be performed using an intracavitary, interstitial, or combination approach. Intracavitary brachytherapy involves placing the radioactive source using an applicator, through the vaginal cavity, and can treat the upper vagina, cervix, and uterus.
What is a Smit sleeve used for?
Smit sleeves are used to facilitate insertion of the intrauterine tandem during brachytherapy for cervical cancer. When a tandem and ovoids system is used the base of the Smit sleeve displaces the ovoids distally.
Can you drive after brachytherapy?
After radioactive seed brachytherapy. You can usually go home on the same day, but someone will need to take you. You will not be able to drive, because of the anaesthetic. Your doctor or nurse will explain what to expect after treatment and the precautions you need to take.
What is Smit sleeve made of?
The Smit sleeve is a device developed by Elekta (Veenendaal, The Netherlands). It is a disposable, silicone-based indwelling intrauterine tube that can be used during brachytherapy treatment for cervical cancer to allow for easier insertion of the tandem [1].
Can you have a bath after brachytherapy?
This may go away after your treatment ends. Wash your treated area with soap and warm water. You can take showers and baths. Do not use very hot or very cold temperatures in your treated area.
What is life expectancy after brachytherapy?
Relative survival rates 73% at 5 years after plaque brachytherapy, 55% at 10 years, 43% at 15 years, 31% at 20 years, 23% at 25 years, 19% at 30 years, 16% at 35 years and 14% at 40 years.
How long does erectile dysfunction last after brachytherapy?
About 25 to 50% of men who undergo brachytherapy will experience erectile dysfunction vs. nearly 50% of men who have standard external beam radiation. After two to three years, few men will see much of an improvement and occasionally these numbers worsen over time.
How many times can you have brachytherapy?
You may have treatment twice a day for 2 to 5 days or once a week for 2 to 5 weeks. The schedule depends on your type of cancer. During the course of treatment, your catheter or applicator may stay in place, or it may be put in place before each treatment.
What is a Smit sleeve?
A Smit sleeve is a disposable indwelling intrauterine tube placed into the cervical internal os to allow easier surgical anatomic localization in cervical cancer. The device is constructed from medical grade polymers and has wing extensions to help it maintain in position to help identify landmarks for future therapy.
What’s your experience with in-office procedures with a Smitt sleeve?
As mentioned, my experience with in-office procedures has been hit or miss. With a good tolerant patient it can go very well with a Smitt sleeve.
Do you have to be sedated for T&R with Smit sleeve?
I’ve found that once a close-ended Smit sleeve is in place, no sedation is ever needed to place T&R . I use some PO Ativan and opioids for an occasional anxious patient. Mar 20, 2013 1,253 1,836
Does Percocet go well with a Smitt sleeve?
With a good tolerant patient it can go very well with a Smitt sleeve. With an anxious patient (and especially patients with pre-existing opiate issues – I practice in an opiate endemic area, so a percocet before an implant is a drop in the bucket for some of my patients), I get sub optimal packing.