Once the radiation oncologist and patient agree that prostate brachytherapy is the preferred treatment, a CT scan is performed to ensure that the prostate is not obstructed by the pubic arch and is in the appropriate size range for implantation. This study also assists the radiation oncologist in determining the quantity and distribution of seeds needed to treat the prostate. The actual implant procedure is performed under general anesthesia and with ultrasound guidance on an outpatient basis. The patient is usually able to return to normal activity within forty-eight hours, although he may continue to have soreness and urinary symptoms for some time afterward.
Emory's Prostate Seed Implant Program
In order
to produce the most accurate implant for any prostate patient, it is necessary
to obtain prostate volume information and to generate a treatment plan in
one operating room session. The prostate volume data are entered into a dedicated, real-time prostate treatment-planning
computer in the operating room. An
optimal loading plan for Iodine-125 seeds is produced while the prostate is
anaesthetized. Thus, the most idealized
I-125 prostate seed implant can be accomplished.