A diverging gynecological template for radioactive interstitial/intracavitary implants of the cervix

The Syed-Neblett perineal template has been in use at our institution since 1984. We have occasionally encountered problems in inserting the needles through the peripheral rows of the template and have seen significant convergence of the needles cephalad to the template. To solve these problems we have modified the Syed-Neblett template. In the new design, the entrance holes are closer together than in the original template, but they are angled so as to achieve a more compact design while maintaining a dose distribution close to that of the Syed-Neblett design. We have seen significantly fewer clinical problems with this design. In addition, a smaller number of needles achieve the same dose distribution; this simplifies their visualization on radiographs.