title: Postprostatectomy ultrasound-guided transrectal implantation of gold markers for external beam radiotherapy. Technique and complications rate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Postprostatectomy radiotherapy (RT) improves survival in adjuvant and salvage settings. The implantation technique and complications rate of gold markers in the prostate bed for high-precision RT were analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing postprostatectomy RT for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse or high-risk disease were enrolled in the study. Under transrectal ultrasound guidance, three fine gold markers were implanted in the prostate bed and the technical difficulties of insertion were documented. Patients received our self-designed questionnaires concerning complications and pain. The influence of anticoagulants and coumarins on bleeding was analyzed, as was the effect of potential risk factors on pain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 77 consecutive patients, failure of marker implantation or marker migration was seen in six cases. Rectal bleeding was reported by 10 patients and 1 had voiding complaints. No macroscopic hematuria persisting for more than 3 days was observed. Other complications included rectal discomfort (n = 2), nausea (n = 1), abdominal discomfort (n = 1), and pain requiring analgesics (n = 4). No major complications were reported. On a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS), the mean pain score was 3.7. No clinically significant risk factors for complications were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transrectal implantation of gold markers in the prostate bed is feasible and safe. Alternatives like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) should be considered, but the advantages of gold marker implantation for high-precision postprostatectomy RT would seem to outweigh the minor risks involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. h.langenhuijsen@uro.umcn.nl
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Langenhuijsen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Donker
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: McColl
authors.forename: L A L M
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Kiemeney
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Witjes
authors.forename: E N J T
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: van Lin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D057918:Fiducial Markers; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D014859:Warfarin; D006046:Gold; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen