What should you know about seeding prostate cancer brachytherapy?

Before treatment, the team measures the prostate and models the positions of the seeds with imaging. Under anaesthesia or sedation, needles are passed through the skin between the scrotum and anus to place the sources. The sources give radiation over time while the team aims to limit exposure to nearby tissues. This treatment may be used alone or combined with another approach, depending on the cancer and your health. Your specialist will explain whether the seeds stay in place and what safety advice applies.

Share your full medicine list, especially blood thinners, and mention previous urinary procedures or difficulty passing urine. Follow the centre’s instructions for preparation and arrange someone to take you home if advised. For recovery, expect the possibility of urinary frequency, urgency, or discomfort for a while. Take only recommended medicines, pace physical activity, and attend planned checks. Ask when you can resume work, exercise, sex, and usual travel.

Get same-day advice if urine becomes difficult to pass, bleeding increases, pain is severe, or you develop fever. Emergency care is appropriate for complete urinary blockage, fainting, severe breathlessness, or bleeding that will not stop. Keep the written aftercare and radiation-safety instructions available, and call the treatment service if you are unsure whether a symptom is expected.

What dose and seed pattern are planned? Is my urinary flow suitable for this procedure? Which side effects should I expect first? How long are precautions needed, and what follow-up appointments or tests will I have?