Device for radiation therapy of rectal cancer

摘要

A device for pushing a scar in the perineal region of a patient so that the scar can be optimally positioned during radiation treatment of the rectal area of the patient. A base is positioned beneath a patient's legs as the patient lies on a radiation therapy support platform. A guide and support member extends upwardly from the base so that the guide and support member is positioned between the thighs of the patient. A slide member is supported by the guide and support member, with the slide member being constrained to slide back and forth along the guide and support member in a direction substantially parallel to the patient's legs so that pressure can be exerted on the patient's perineum by the leading end of the slide member. The slide member can be moved manually, and a retaining mechanism is provided for releasably locking the slide member in any selected position along its movement. The device is used by manually moving the slide member toward the patient's perineum so that the leading end of the slide member pushes the perineal scar cephalad and then holds the scar in proper position during subsequent radiation therapy of the rectal area of the patient.