Men
having an implant must undergo a mapping of the prostate
to allow the brachytherapy team to work out all the technical
details of the implant. This has to be done 2-3 weeks prior
to the planned date of the implant A transrectal ultrasound
is used with the patient lying on his back with the hips
and knees flexed. The ultrasound images are entered into
a planning computer and a plan is generated by the physicist
and approved by the radiation oncologist. Seeds cannot be
ordered until the plan is completed. Brachytherapy is performed
under a general anaesthetic (you are not awake) as day surgery
and takes about 1.5 hours to do.
You will be required to take medicine the night before
to empty the bowel and to make the urine flow freely. You
will probably continue to take this medication (Flomax)
for 3-6 months after the procedure. |
