Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Prostate brachytherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer. No incisions are made with this procedure. Instead, 20 to 30 small needles are directed into the prostate through the perineum. After these needles are inserted in the prostate, radioactive seeds are inserted through the needles into the prostate to destroy the localized cancer.

A brief stay in the hospital may be needed when the radioactive seeds are implanted. The amount of radiation resulting from a permanent implant is not generally dangerous to other people, but patients may be advised to avoid extended close contact with others for a period of time.