by 
The Curious Bag
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When a man has prostate cancer, radiation can be used to kill the cancer cells. Unfortunately, radiation can also damage the nearby large intestine and rectum. A prostate sensor is a device that measures how much radiation the tumor receives during each treatment. It is not a radiation source and does not directly affect the bowel tissue.
Identification
A dime-sized wireless sensor is implanted into the man's prostate to give the doctor information to limit the damage to bowel tissue.
Effects
Bowel symptoms from prostate radiation include cramping, diarrhea, gas, pain, thick mucus discharge from the rectum and bloody stools.
Time frame
Bowel issues typically start within three to four weeks of the first treatment and go away a few weeks after the last treatment. Some men have longer-term bowel issues.
Considerations
Men can limit their bowel problems by eating five to six smaller meals a day, avoiding very hot or very cold foods, and limiting their intake of spicy, high fiber or fatty foods.
Tips
If the diarrhea is bad enough, it can deplete the body of fluids, sodium and potassium. It's important to drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day and to consider adding sports drinks to the diet.
Source:
Michigan Cancer Consortium: Bowel Problems After Radiation
Resource:
Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
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