Transperineal percutaneous I-125 implant of prostate

Abstract

Although Iodine-125 seeds for interstitial radiation of prostatic cancer via the retropubic route is an established method of treatment, the retropubic implant technique has disadvantages: inadequate space for proper placement of the needles, possible bleeding from the prostatic venous plexus by the insertion of needles through these veins, and possible wound infection due to inadvertent puncturing of the bladder and/or rectum by the needles. A technique is described whereby Iodine-125 seeds for interstitial radiation are placed into the prostate through the perineum allowing more accurate placement of the seeds, assuring homogenous dose distribution, and decreasing the risk of bleeding and of bacterial contamination.