The procedure is then performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. The radioactive seeds are accurately delivered into the prostate via needles through the perineum (the area of skin between the scrotum and anus) using ultrasound guidance and a fixed template to control needle position. A urethral catheter is placed, which is then typically removed the next day prior to discharge home.

Brachytherapy offers an alternative to surgery and traditional external beam radiation, with what appear to be equivalent cancer control rates. Potential risks include radiation cystitis, causing urgency and frequency, and radiation proctitis, leading to rectal urgency and diarrhoea.

AUA urologists, as well as our visiting radiation oncologists, are highly trained and experienced in performing brachytherapy.