Transperineal Ultrasound Guided Injection of GOLD SEED Fiducial Markers

As preparation for your external beam radiotherapy, it is now recommended that three gold seeds are injected into the prostate to improve the accuracy of delivery of the treatment. The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance with a transperineal approach. This will be done under light sedation or a general anaesthetic.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images. It is completely safe and there is no radiation. The sound waves are transmitted by the ultrasound probe (transducer). The probe is gently passed into the rectum and the prostate is visualised using the ultrasound. Three gold seeds are then injected into the prostate under ultrasound control.

Please read this leaflet carefully as it provides important advice on preparation for the procedure.

We will provide you with instructions regarding all aspects of preparing for your operation.

• Pre-operative urine test (blood test if required)
• Details of admission to hospital.
• Information regarding fasting and medications.

**Please read our admission letter carefully regarding any medical instructions.**

You may experience some bleeding from the urethra after the procedure. This can last from 2 days to 2 weeks, but it usually settles within one week. You may also see blood in the semen which may last for several weeks, depending on how often you ejaculate. This is not dangerous.

Approximately 25% of men have some discomfort passing their urine afterwards but this usually settles quickly.

Infection

There is a small risk (1%) of developing an infection in the blood stream – septicaemia. This can cause you to feel unwell with fevers and chills. If this happens you should contact us. You may need admission to hospital for treatment with antibiotics through a drip. In the unlikely event this happens overnight you will need to go to a hospital emergency department.

Bleeding

You should expect to see some bleeding as mentioned above. If the urine is red then you should drink extra fluid to help keep the urine light in colour. If the bleeding seems excessive, or you are passing clots in the urine, then you should contact us. You may need admission to hospital.

Urinary Tract Infection

If you have burning when you pass your urine that does not seem to be getting better after 2 days then you could have a urine infection. Please contact us to organise a urine test and assessment.

Other complications can include; perineal bruising (10%), discomfort in the prostate (10%), and temporary erectile problems (5%).

We suggest you rest quietly for the remainder of the day. Please avoid heavy lifting or straining until the blood clears from the urine and bowels.

You should not drive for at least 24 hours after having sedation/ anaesthetic (or as instructed by your Urologist).

Patients who are travelling outside the metropolitan area are required to check when they are able to travel, and will be required to stay in the metropolitan area for 24 hours (or as instructed by your Urologist).

In the event of an emergency, call our office within business hours and speak to our Practice Nurse. If out of hours, please call our office to contact our On-Call Urologist, or present to your nearest Emergency Department.

Ashford Hospital
55 Anzac Highway, Ashford SA 5035
8375 5205
Until 10:00 PM

Flinders Medical Centre (access to Flinders Private Hospital)
Flinders Drive, Bedford Park SA 5042
8204 5511
24 Hours

Calvary Adelaide Hospital
120 Angus Street, Adelaide SA 5000
8227 7027
24 Hours Royal

Royal Darwin Hospital
Rocklands Drive, Tiwi NT 0810
8922 8888
24 Hours

**For patients outside the Metropolitan area, please present to your nearest hospital emergency department.

After insertion of the Gold seeds, you will be looked after by Genesis Care. Once your treatment with Genesis Care have been completed, a follow up appointment with your Urologist will then be arranged.

If you have any concerns after your procedure, then please contact us at Urological Solutions.