Afterloading brachytherapy: how treatment works and what follows

The applicator is positioned first, then the afterloader moves the source through connected tubes according to the treatment plan. Staff leave the room while radiation is delivered but continue monitoring and can communicate with you. The source returns to the shielded machine when delivery finishes.

Because the radioactive source is withdrawn at the end of each application, you do not remain radioactive from the afterloading source. The applicator may be removed immediately or kept in place between planned applications, depending on the treatment site and technique. If it stays in place, movement may be limited to prevent displacement.

Pelvic treatment may cause temporary soreness, light bleeding or discharge, urinary irritation, bowel looseness, and fatigue. Anaesthesia or sedation can add drowsiness, nausea, or a sore throat. Your team will explain which effects fit your specific treatment area.

Follow instructions about eating, drinking, bowel preparation, medicines, and transport before each appointment. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, pregnancy possibility, pain, or difficulty lying still. Do not alter prescribed medicines without clinical guidance.

After discharge, use pain relief as directed, drink enough unless fluids are restricted, and follow site-specific advice on bathing, vaginal care, sexual activity, urinary catheters, or activity. If sedation was used, follow the unit's restrictions on driving and decisions.

Contact the brachytherapy unit urgently for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pelvic or treatment-site pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, foul-smelling discharge, or a catheter that stops draining. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, collapse, or uncontrolled bleeding.

If an applicator remains in place in hospital, tell staff immediately about new severe pain, pressure, wetness, bleeding, or a sensation that the applicator has moved. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

Ask whether the applicator and source are removed after each application, what anaesthesia is planned, and which short-term effects are expected for your treatment site. Confirm the preparation instructions, transport arrangements, after-hours contact number, and the timing of follow-up.