Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Permanent Prostate Seed Implantation: An Updated echnique Using Real-Time Imaging and Intraoperative Dosimetric Adjustment

The treatment of localized prostate cancer now includes a number of minimally invasive modalities that offer similar efficacy as open surgery but with decreased morbidity when compared to standard therapies. Brachytherapy, or prostate seed implantation, is an attractive option for treating T1-T3 prostate cancer because it can be performed in a short period of time with minimal technical difficulty. Studies reporting favorable biochemical freedom from failure rates, low positive prostate biopsy rates, and diminished treatment related morbidity have helped to convince both patients and practitioners that this treatment option should be offered as routinely as radical prostatectomy and external beam irradiation (1-6).