A belly board is used to help keep which organ out of the pelvis during treatment?

A belly board is employed primarily to assist in positioning and keeping the small bowel out of the pelvic treatment field during radiotherapy. When treating certain cancers in the pelvic area, such as those in the cervix or prostate, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure to the small bowel. By using a belly board, patients are positioned in such a way that encourages displacement of the small bowel from the pelvic cavity, thereby reducing the risk of irradiating this sensitive organ and helping to protect it from potential side effects associated with radiation treatment. The design of the belly board specifically facilitates this alignment, making it an important tool in the treatment planning process for pelvic cancers.