What is the preferred position for a patient with rectal carcinoma during treatment?

The preferred position for a patient with rectal carcinoma during treatment is the prone position via lateral fields. This positioning is chosen because it allows for several advantages specific to treating rectal cancers.

In the prone position, the patient's pelvis is less likely to interfere with surrounding organs, such as the bladder and small intestine, which is crucial for minimizing radiation exposure to these sensitive areas. It also can help in utilizing gravity to displace the intestines away from the treatment area, thereby reducing the volume of healthy tissue receiving radiation. This configuration enhances the targeting of the tumor while protecting normal tissue, which is essential for effective treatment and reducing side effects.

Utilizing lateral fields in the prone position also offers better access to the tumor site from various angles, optimizing the dose distribution and improving treatment efficacy. Therefore, this approach supports the primary goal of radiation therapy, which is to maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.