For the treatment of prostate cancer, Gulf Coast Cancer Centers offers brachytherapy, also known as interstitial radiation. With brachytherapy, radioactive “seeds” are permanently implanted into the prostate gland to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells, decreasing the risk of radiating surrounding healthy tissue and organs.
 |
Brachytherapy may be done alone or in combination with other cancer treatments. In contrast to surgery to remove the prostate gland, brachytherapy is performed as an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 ½ hours or less, allowing patients to return home without a lengthy hospital stay. In addition, patients don’t experience side effects such as incontinence or impotence.
Prior to the seed implantation, Gulf Coast Cancer Centers' doctors will schedule a series of routine tests including blood tests and chest x-rays. They will perform an ultrasound to determine the size, shape and location of your prostate in order to provide a “map” of how many seeds will actually be needed.
General or spinal anesthesia may be given to ensure you don’t have discomfort during the procedure. Additional medication may also be provided. During the procedure, an ultrasound probe is positioned inside the rectum to make the prostate visible on a monitor and to allow the doctor to view the placement of each seed. Needles are inserted through the skin between the scrotum and rectum, and the seeds are placed into the prostate.
 |
Following the procedure, patients are taken to the recovery room until the anesthesia effects have worn off. Gulf Coast Cancer Centers staff will provide you with instructions and precautions related to the implantation such as avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days after the procedure. In some cases, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. Most patients can resume their normal routine within a matter of days.
|
