Common questions

How are gold seeds inserted into the prostate?

How are gold seeds inserted into the prostate?

Using a probe, a very fine needle, with a gold seed marker at its tip, can be directed into the prostate. When the needle is in the correct position the gold seed marker is implanted from the needle tip. Three gold seed markers will be inserted into your prostate.

How are prostate marker seeds implanted?

Three marker seeds will then be placed within the prostate through ultrasound based needle guidance. The seeds are NOT placed through the rectum, but through the skin on the outside of your body between the scrotum and the rectum. On average, this procedure takes 20-30 minutes.

How long does it take to put seeds in prostate?

The entire procedure takes approximately 90 minutes. Most patients go home the same day. A radiation oncologist and urologist perform the procedure. Both physicians are actively involved in all aspects of the implantation, from the planning to the post-operative care.

How are gold seeds implanted?

The procedure is carried out with you lying on your left side in a similar position to a rectal examination. The ultrasound probe is inserted into your rectum. Local anaesthetic is injected around the prostate to make the procedure more comfortable. The three gold seed markers are then inserted into your prostate.

What are gold seed markers?

fih-DOO-shul MAR-kers) Tiny, gold seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, that are put in and/or around a tumor to show exactly where it is in the body. Doctors are then able to target the tumor directly and give higher doses of radiation with less harm to nearby healthy tissue.

How are fiducial markers placed in the prostate?

Once you’re asleep, your healthcare provider will use rectal ultrasound to see your prostate. They’ll put tiny needles into your prostate through your perineum (the area of skin between your scrotum and anus). They’ll place 3 fiducial markers into your prostate through the needles, then remove the needles.

Are prostate seeds MRI safe?

Yes, the seeds are titanium, similar to other pins or clips used in medical procedures. There are no contraindications to MRI or other scans. Can a patient have a colonoscopy if he has had a seed implant?

What are gold markers?

Fiducial markers are small metal (typically gold) spheres, coils or cylinders about the size of a grain of rice that are placed in or near a tumor to help guide the placement of radiation beams during treatment.

Are gold seeds radioactive?

The gold seeds are not radioactive. They will stay in your prostate. Pictures of your pelvis (see example below) will be taken before every radiation therapy treatment.

How long is fiducial marker placement?

Additional images may be taken to confirm the placement of fiducial markers. This procedure is usually completed within one hour. You may be required to stay in an area for observation for several hours.

How is prostate brachytherapy performed?

Permanent prostate brachytherapy involves placing many radioactive seeds within the prostate to treat prostate cancer. During the procedure, an ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum to help guide the placement of seeds. The seeds emit radiation that dissipates over a few months.

How are gold seed markers inserted in the prostate?

Prostate Gold Seed Marker Placement. An ultrasound probe will be used to insert the Gold Seed Markers into the rectum. By using a needle in the probe, the Gold Seed Markers are placed in the prostate. Although you may experience some brief sharp pain, the procedure is generally a simple process.

How many gold seeds do you need for prostate cancer?

Gold Marker Seeds. All patients who undergo CyberKnife to the prostate gland are required to have 3 – 4 gold marker seeds injected into the prostate gland prior to doing treatment. This is because the CyberKnife machine cannot see the prostate gland, but it can see gold seeds.

How is a fiducial seed placed in the prostate?

Prostate Fiducial Seed Placement. In patients who are planning to undergo radiation therapy for prostate cancer, a small gold marker (fiducial marker) is placed into the prostate tissue with the same method as a biopsy.

How are gold seed implants used in urology?

Brachytherapy (Gold Seed Implant) Brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment used to treat various types of cancers; but in urology, it is commonly used to destroy cancerous cells that affect the prostate. Also known as internal radiation therapy, brachytherapy involves placing high-energy…