Sub-optimal placement of both intracavitary devices and interstitial needles is a relatively common occurrence in cervical brachytherapy, which may reduce the accuracy of dose distribution and contribute to adverse toxicities. To mitigate complications, improve target dose coverage, and verify proper device placement, implants may be placed under real-time image guidance. Traditionally, transrectal ultrasound has been used for needle guidance. However, we have utilized transabdominal ultrasound (TA-US) in our brachytherapy center. The purpose of this pictorial essay was to provide a pictorial description of TA-US technique, present a retrospective review of our preliminary outcomes adopting TA-US into routine practice, and to discuss the advantages of real-time ultrasound image guidance for placement of intrauterine tandem and interstitial needles.

中文翻译：

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实时经腹超声引导在间质性/鼻腔内颈近距离放射治疗中的优势：基于病例的综述

在宫颈近距离放射治疗中，腔内装置和组织间针的次优放置是相对常见的情况，这可能会降低剂量分配的准确性并导致不良的毒性。为了减轻并发症，提高目标剂量覆盖率，并验证正确的设备放置，可将植入物置于实时图像引导下。传统上，经直肠超声已经用于针引导。但是，我们在近距离放射治疗中心使用了腹部超声（TA-US）。该图形文章的目的是提供TA-US技术的图形描述，对我们在常规实践中采用TA-US的初步结果进行回顾性回顾，并讨论实时超声图像引导在宫腔内放置的优势串联针和间隙针。