title: Ultrasonically guided interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer: care of the patient in ambulatory surgery.
abstract: The diagnosis of prostate cancer at any age can strike fear in a man and his family. One treatment for early stage prostate cancer that is gaining renewed popularity is ultrasonically guided permanent iodine-125 or palladium-103 interstitial brachytherapy or seed implantation. This procedure permits concentrated, accurate radiation to the prostate while reducing the probability of radiation injury to adjacent tissue. A well-tolerated outpatient procedure, it is associated with negligible complications, and is the most overall cost-effective treatment option for early stage prostate cancer today. Nurses who are knowledgeable about the treatment plan and procedure play a pivotal role in teaching, preparing, and caring for patients during all phases of the treatment process. Their care and reassurance help reduce anxiety for patients and families during a difficult time in their lives.
authors.affiliation: Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center, Bergan Mercy Outpatient Surgery, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Redmond
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000451:nursing*