[Experiences of women in cesium brachytherapy].
The objective of the present study was to determine the main difficulties and problems experienced by patients submitted to sealed internal radiotherapy as well as to provide guidance for nurses to better perceive the difficulties experienced by the patients and act as an element of support while giving care. The problems and difficulties observed and reported by the patients were mainly related to the impositions of treatment, such as isolation, prohibition of visits, hospitalization, bed confinement, restriction of movements, use of the intracavity system, measures of radiological protection, use of a delay bladder tube, and limited personal hygiene. Fear related to treatment and anesthesia, partial or absent orientation and skin lesions were the complaints voiced by most of the patients in the present study. The role of the nurse is important in planning nursing care in sealed internal radiotherapy, especially when nurses understand the problems and difficulties experienced by women submitted to this treatment.