To prep or not to prep - that is the question: A randomized trial on the use of antiflatulent medication as part of bowel preparation for patients having image guided external beam radiation therapy to the prostate.

Radiation therapy is a standard treatment option for prostate cancer. With growing use of escalated doses and tighter margins, procedures to limit rectal size variation are needed to reduce prostate motion, increase treatment accuracy, and minimize rectal toxicity. This prospective study was done to determine whether the introduction of an antiflatulent medication would decrease rectal distention at computed tomography (CT) simulation and throughout a course of radiation therapy.