Prostate cancer brachytherapy

Abstract

Prostate brachytherapy has been performed since the 1970s, when brachytherapy was administered in a retropubic fashion. Using this approach needles are passed in an anterior to posterior fashion using digital pressure to ensure no perforation of the rectum (Fig. 38.1). This method, over time, has been abandoned secondary to its poor assurance that all areas of the prostate gland are adequately covered by appropriate doses of radiation. As a result, the treatment fell out of favor. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.