Interstitial therapy suing non-absorbable (Ir192 nylon ribbon) and absrobable (I125 "Vicryl") suturing techniques

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Surgical Techniques
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Interstitial implantation techniques are crucial in various medical treatments.
• The choice of suture material and radioactive nuclide impacts procedure efficacy and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe permanent and removable interstitial implantation techniques.
• To compare the use of Iridium-192 (Ir-192) and Iodine-125 (I-125) in implantable sutures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized absorbable and unabsorbable sutures for interstitial implantation.
• Described techniques performable with basic clinical instruments.
• Detailed specifications for Ir-192 nylon ribbon and I-125 Vicryl sutures.

Main Results:

• Techniques are easily and quickly performed in clinics.
• I-125 sutures require less radiation protection and result in shorter patient radioactivity exposure.
• Both Ir-192 and I-125 nuclides offer long shelf lives, ensuring practicality and economic feasibility.

Conclusions:

• Interstitial implantation techniques using described sutures are practical and economically viable.
• I-125 sutures present significant advantages over Ir-192, particularly regarding patient safety and hospital stay duration.
• The described methods facilitate efficient and safe clinical application of interstitial brachytherapy.