Intraoperative radiation of the paraaortic nodes in cancer of the uterine cervix

Abstract

Intraoperative electron beam irradiation is being used for the therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of the paraaortic nodes in cancer of the uterine cervix. A Varian 18 meV accelerator is employed at an electron energy setting of 6--18 meV. Special aluminum and lucite collimators allow visualization of treatment area and keep the uninvolved small bowel out of the treatment beam. A one-time dose of 2000 rads is delivered in 4 minutes. The procedure presents no special surgical problems, is well tolerated, and appears as a promising supplement in cases where abdominal exploration for surgical staging of cervical carcinoma is carried out.