If a patient is affected with prostate cancer, he/she will need prostate brachytherapy. The symptoms of prostate cancer are:
There are two types of prostate brachytherapy procedures. They are:
High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) - It is a temporary type of prostate brachytherapy. A radioactive source is placed in the prostate gland and a high dose of radiation is applied for a few minutes before removing of sources.
Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR) - It is permanent type brachytherapy. Radioactive seeds are placed in the prostate permanently. Low doses of radiation are released regularly for several months.
The expectations of prostate brachytherapy depend on the type of therapy a patient receives.
Low dose rate brachytherapy
The patient is placed under general anesthesia during this procedure. A thin rod-like instrument is inserted into the rectum to capture pictures of the prostate by creating ultrasound. Using the pictures, a long needle is inserted through the skin between the scrotum and anus into the prostate, and seed-like radioactive implants are inserted. Each seed resembles a grain of rice. The radiation is released for a few months through these seeds and remains in the body permanently.
Though the amount of radiation released by the seeds are low and does not cause harm to anyone else, patients are advised to avoid close contact with small children and pregnant women for some time.
High dose brachytherapy
Similar to LDR, an HDR also requires anesthesia. Thin tubes are placed in your prostate by inserting it through the perineum and until the last stage of the treatment, these tubes remain in place. The tubes placed in the prostate are connected to a machine that contains radioactive wires. These wires are placed for several minutes until the surgeon hears a clicking noise. This procedure is repeated a few times. After HDR brachytherapy, the radioactive sources are removed, avoiding the need for any special precautions to be followed.
The following are the side effects of prostate brachytherapy:
Blood in the urine
Feeling an urgent need to urinate
Some of the rare complications that can occur after prostate brachytherapy are:
Generally, patients can be discharged from the hospital within 24 hours of surgery.
A urinary catheter will be placed before they are discharged from the hospital, and patients are instructed to not remove this catheter. It must remain in place until the patient has healed sufficiently and no longer requires it.
Pain and swelling occur in the perineum after prostate brachytherapy. The patient may be prescribed medication and ice packs to reduce the symptoms. Patients can also resume daily activities after a few days, but they are advised to avoid exercise and heavy lifting.
The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is tested after the prostate brachytherapy. It will give an idea if the surgery has been successful. The PSA level usually rises after the prostate brachytherapy and bounces back to its original level after a certain period. If it continues to increase, consult your Apollo doctor immediately.
Established By Dr Prathap C Reddy In 1983, Apollo Healthcare Has A Robust Presence Across The Healthcare Ecosystem. From Routine Wellness & Preventive Health Care To Innovative Life-Saving Treatments And Diagnostic Services, Apollo Hospitals Has Touched More Than 120 Million Lives From Over 120 Countries, Offering The Best Clinical Outcomes.
7,000+ Healing Hands
4,000+ Pharmacies
170+ Primary care & diagnostic clinics
70+ Hospitals
Call Us Now
Book An Appointment
© Copyright 2024. Apollo Hospitals Group. All Rights Reserved.
+91 8069991061
Book Health Check-up
Book Health Check-up
Book Appointment
Book Appointment