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Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

Prostate Seed Brachytherapy

Planning Trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS)

The purpose of this examination is to accurately map out the size and position of the prostate. You will be lying on your back with your feet in stirrups. Some jelly will be put into the urethra so it can be seen on ultrasound. This can cause a little discomfort. You will need to have a fleet enema about one hour before the TRUS.

ultrasound 3-d image
The ultrasound shows the size and
shape of the prostate (outlined) as
seen on TRUS		 The computer gives a 3-D image
of the prostate, rectum, urethra
and seeds.

 

The TRUS is performed either by the physician or by a specially trained radiation therapist. The physician and dosimetrist then take the ultrasound pictures and use a computer to work out where the seeds need to go within the prostate. Typically, 80 to 120 seeds are required.