Introduction: Radiotherapy is a local treatments for cancer, alongside surgery. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or systemic therapy. Radiotherapy is divided into teleradiotherapy and brachyradiotherapy. In the case of radiation therapy, a precise and reproducible position of the patient is important, which is ensured by the use of various fixation devices. One of the most commonly used fixation devices is a vacuum bag filled with styrofoam granules. The patient is positioned by lying down in a vacuum bag, which is then adjusted to the body using a vacuum pump. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis is to present the applicability and importance of the vacuum bag as a fixation device in radiotherapy and to compare its efficacy with other fixaation devices by means of a systematic literature review. We also present the history, structure and types of vacuum bags, the patient positioning and fixation procedure, the use of the vacuum bag in paediatrics and stereotactic radiation therapy. Methods: In the diploma thesis we used a descriptive method of a systematic literature review. We focused on articles containing information on the history, types, use and structure of the vacuum bag and its application in paediatrics. We were further interested in comparing different fixations for specific localisations. The literature cited was compiled from October 2022 to May 2023. Results: The findings of the papers used in our systematic review are presented in the diploma thesis. The focus was on comparison of vacuum bags with different fixation devices in different radiation treatment areas, where the patient set-up errors are minimised and the best set-up is achived. Discussion and conclusion: The use of different fixation devices, including the vacuum bag, varies from institution to institution. In addition to the area of radiation therapy, the choice is also affeted by the capacity of the radiotherapy centres, the psychophysical state of the patients and the expertise of radiological engineers. The vacuum bag is most commonly used as a fixation device in stereotactic radiation therapy.
|
