The Brachytherapy procedure
You will be given a list of instructions to follow to prepare
your bowel for your Brachytherapy treatment. A clean, empty rectum
is needed on the day of your treatment so that good images of your
prostate can be obtained using the ultrasound rectal probe.
The doctor will insert an ultrasound probe into your rectum.
Serial images of your prostate will be recorded. Using these
images, a 3-D brachytherapy treatment plan is created by an
advanced computer planning system. This allows the doctor to see
how many radioactive seeds will be needed, and to see where the
seeds should be placed. During the treatment, the placement of
seeds is monitored using X-ray Imaging, Ultrasound Imaging, and the
computer planning system. By monitoring your treatment in this way,
the doctor can ensure greater than 99% coverage of the cancer with
radiation.
Needles containing the radioactive seeds will be inserted
through your perineum [the area of skin beneath your scrotum] into
your prostate. You will be given a general anaesthetic, or
sometimes, an epidural anaesthetic, before these needles are
inserted. The seeds are then deposited into the prostate, in the
areas and quantities that your doctor has determined will most
effectively treat your cancer.
After your treatment, you will be taken to the recovery room
until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will then
be returned to your room and stay hospital for one night. You will
have a catheter inserted into your bladder to allow you to pass
urine. You may need an ice pack on your perineum to reduce swelling
after the treatment, which will be provided for you if it is
needed. You will also be given painkillers, as some slight
discomfort is expected following the treatment. The Urologist or
Radiotherapist may visit you in your room after your treatment.
While you are in hospital, you will not be placed in special
isolation because almost all of the radiation from the treatment is
absorbed by your prostate. The radiation level outside your body is
safe for others, letting you resume your normal activities
immediately after leaving the hospital.
The morning after the treatment, the catheter will be taken out
and you will be allowed to go home as soon as you are able to pass
urine. You will be prescribed medications to reduce swelling of
your prostate.