Improved Technique for Placement of Interstitial Brachytherapy for Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Simultaneous High-Resolution Fluoroscopy and Transrectal Ultrasound

An improved technique for accurate placement of radioactive gold seeds (^l98Au) in the prostate using fluoroscopy and ultrasound simultaneously is described. Transrectal ultrasound allows orientation in the placement of the seeds in the prostatic tissue and seminal vesicles as well as avoidance of the rectum. High-resolution fluoroscopy further aids in spatial arrangement of the gold seeds and prevents inadvertent retraction of the seeds as the applicator needle is withdrawn. An even distribution of radioactivity is verified with computerized dosimetry.