Nursing report of one case of recurrent cervical cancer patient treated by after-loading therapy with interstitial brachytherapy assisted by 3D printing source device

Abstract

Objective To summarize the nursing experience of the first case of recurrent cervical cancer patient treated by after-loading therapy with interstitial brachytherapy assisted by 3D printing device in China. Methods For a patient with recurrent cervical cancer after radiotherapy, preoperative CT scan was carried out, preoperative plan was designed, 3D printing template was designed, and brachytherapy was carried out according to the guidance of 3D printing source device and CT image verification. The treatment dose (D90) was four Gy/fraction, two fractions per week and five fractions in all. The patient was given psychological and medical nursing. Key points of nursing were summarized and role of nursing was evaluated. Results Nursing work was involved in the entire process of treatment, including psychological nursing, diet guidance, instruments preparation, patient assessment and preparation, nursing during brachytherapy, nursing during and after radiotherapy, and nursing for complications, etc. Operation risks and radiation complications could be effectively reduced by comprehensive nursing, together with more reasonable and accurate distribution of implant needles guided by 3D printing source device. Conclusions The advantages of interstitial brachytherapy assisted by 3D printing source device include individuality, accuracy, and good repeatability. A serious and comprehensive nursing work before, during and after the treatment plays an essential role in improving therapeutic effect, reducing patients′ risk of injury and improving operational efficiency. Key words: Nursing; Uterine cervical neoplasms; Radiotherapy; 3D printing; Interstitial brachytherapy