Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

Prostate Seed Brachytherapy

Implanting the Seeds

A low dose spinal anaesthetic or, rarely, a short general anaesthetic can be used for the implant. In either case, an
intravenous will be started by the nurse. The seeds are implanted using long thin needles that are inserted into the prostate through the skin in front of the rectum. An ultrasound probe in the rectum is used to guide the needles.

Seeds are inserted into the prostate under ultrasound guidance through the skin between the scrotum and anus. Note ultrasound
probe in rectum.

The seed implant procedure usually takes under an hour to perform. It is done in the High Dose-Rate Suite at the Cancer Centre. After the implant, you will go to the recovery room to be monitored briefly. You will have an ice bag placed between your legs to help reduce swelling and bruising.  The intravenous will be removed when you are drinking well and you can go home once you have passed urine. Most men can go home within 1 or 2 hours.