1. Introduction

    Palladium-103 prostate implants are being used for brachytherapy as an optional treatment for prostate cancer. The sources are permanently implanted directly into the tissue. The seeds are encased in a lead-lined cartridge that attaches to lead-lined placement needles. The seeds are placed by the radiation oncologist through these needles into the prostate through the perineum. Placement is guided by ultrasonography.

2. Preoperative assessment and patient preparation