Comparison of the belly board device method and the distended bladder method for reducing irradiated small bowel volumes in preoperative radiotherapy of rectal cancer patients

Conclusions: The DB was more effective than the BBD for reducing the volume of irradiated small bowel in rectal cancer patients receiving pelvic RT. The combination of the BBD and DB showed an additive effect and was the most effective method for reducing the irradiated small bowel volume.