How Do You Reverse Brachytherapy Implants?
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy that treats certain cancers using radioactive implants the size of a grain of rice to deliver small, concentrated doses directly to a tumor. In many cases, the used-up radiation implants are allowed to remain in place, but in some types of brachytherapy treatment, your doctor may remove the implants. The removal is a same-day surgical procedure done a few days after the implant is placed. Before the treatment, you may receive a povidone-iodine douche to cleanse the area and/or an enema to prevent you from dislodging the applicator during a bowel movement. Under regional anesthesia, you will be fitted with a foley catheter to help you pass urine while the implant is in place. After the implant is in place, you may be isolated and kept on bed rest, so bring plenty of things to do while lying on your back, like books and magazines or a small hobby like crocheting or drawing. There are two types of brachytherapy: intracavity treatment and inters
