Prostate cancer treatment with radioactive seed implantation

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The use of radioactive seeds (i.e., brachytherapy) to provide radiation therapy is one of the three recommended treatment options for localized carcinoma of the prostate. This technique places the radioactive source in close proximity to the malignancy and provides a predictable dose of radiation to a confined area, thus sparing nearby healthy tissue. The technique is performed under transrectal ultrasonography. Nursing care for the patient undergoing this ambulatory surgery procedure focuses on detailed preoperative instructions and highly technical intraoperative care, followed by individualized postoperative care.