Prostate Seed Implant (Brachytherapy)

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What is a Prostate Seed Implant?

Prostate Seed Implantation (PSI) or LDR brachytherapy is a technique that uses radioactive “seeds” which are small pieces of metal that emit radiation to eradicate the cancer from the inside out.

By treating from the inside out, the radiation side effects to the nearby organs such as the bladder, rectum, and nerves are less when compared to other radiation techniques of external beam, IMRT, photon, and proton therapy. The dose to the prostate which can be delivered with PSI is higher and has demonstrated equal if not improved cancer control.

This procedure has been around for several decades but with years of experience perfecting the procedure, modern imaging, highly skilled support personnel (medical dosimetrists and physicists) our unique and dynamic technique has evolved to become the most precise and targeted form of radiation.

If a prostate seed implants are so precise and lead to such a great outcome then why don’t all patients choose it?

There are very few radiation oncologist and urologist who are adequately trained or have experience in the performing the procedure. To perform the procedure it takes the skill of an expert radiation oncologist and urologist and the skills of a dosimetrist and physicist to ensure precision in the adaptive planning process and to track the radiation safety.

Beyond technological skill, performing the procedure requires a dedicated team to get the surgical clearance, coordinate surgical schedules, order the correct number and strength of seeds. In other words, procedure is logistically burdensome and it takes complete dedication.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, compared to IMRT, protons, and robotic surgery, a transperineal prostate seed implant reimburses the least financially. It does not pay well.

So why do we do it?

Dr. Taylor had prostate cancer and chose brachytherapy and if Dr. Hodges ever had prostate cancer it would be his choice of treatment and he has recommended it to countless friends and family.

How could we not offer it if its our treatment of choice? The fact we have performed prostate seed implants on numerous physicians is testament to the fact that prostate seed implantation for prostate cancer is a clear choice treatment option.

What should I expect from the procedure?

Prostate Seed Implant procedures are done under general anesthesia and the procedure takes about 1 hour to perform. Patients are treated in a same day, outpatient setting. The side effects are similar to that experienced from the prostate biopsy. Because patients are under anesthesia, most patients report the Prostate Seed Implant procedure to be easier than the biopsy.

The validity and accuracy of the implant is verified during the procedure with intra-operative real time image guided planning. This is where experience matters and with over 3000 cases in the last 20 years it is no wonder our patients do great and keep sending their personal friends and family.

Word of mouth is one of our greatest referrals as well as the consistent support we get from our medical community.

I am from out of town? How many visits would this take?

We see many patients from all over the country. Normally two to three visits are needed. We try to coordinate as many appointments as possible. Our out of town patients continue to send their friends and family so we are very accustomed to working with patients throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and beyond. On the day of implant, we do recommend an overnight hotel stay to ensure a normal flow to urination before returning home. No hospital stay is required due to the nature of this minimally invasive same day procedure.

1300 N Fourth St
Longview, TX 75601
Phone: 903-234-7070 x 17117

Choose the minimally invasive cancer treatment option

Our adaptive prostate seed implant procedure maximized effectiveness while minimizing side-effects.

About

Texas Prostate Seed Institute exists to offer the highest quality prostate cancer treatments. We also desire to train and equip other medical providers to offer high quality prostate seed implant technology.

Choose the minimally invasive cancer treatment option

Our unique, precise, and adaptive prostate seed implant procedure maximizes effectiveness while minimize side effects.

About

Texas Prostate Seed Institute was established to offer the most advanced prostate seed implant so that prostate cancer patients can conveniently be treated and cured of their cancer with almost no downtime and minimal side effects.

1300 N Fourth St Longview, TX 75601 Phone: 903-234-7050