RESUMEN
Over the past decade, prostate brachytherapy has been increasingly utilized as definitive management for early stage carcinoma of the prostate gland. One risk of the procedure is pulmonary seed embolization. In this article we report the incidence and timing of seed migration. Pulmonary embolization of radioactive seeds occurs in approximately 20% of patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy. To date, no acute or delayed detrimental effects have been reported which are attributable to the pulmonary embolization of the seeds; nevertheless, it is imperative that patients and health care providers be cognizant of this possible event.
Asunto(s)
Braquiterapia/efectos adversos , Migración de Cuerpo Extraño/complicaciones , Pulmón/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Próstata/radioterapia , Embolia Pulmonar/etiología , Anciano , Braquiterapia/métodos , Migración de Cuerpo Extraño/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Embolia Pulmonar/diagnóstico , Radiografía , Factores de Riesgo , Rayos XRESUMEN
Nearly all patients experience some degree of urinary irritative or obstructive symptoms following brachytherapy for definitive treatment of early-stage prostate cancer. The American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index is a tool developed to measure urinary function and can be incorporated into postoperative nursing management. When this questionnaire is administered at regular intervals following surgery, the patient's urinary status can be assessed quickly and treatment changes made according to symptoms, with resultant improvement in comfort levels. The postoperative use of the AUA index is recommended for all nurses who care for patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy.
Asunto(s)
Braquiterapia/enfermería , Neoplasias de la Próstata/enfermería , Neoplasias de la Próstata/radioterapia , Trastornos Urinarios/etiología , Trastornos Urinarios/enfermería , Humanos , Masculino , Evaluación en Enfermería , Cuidados Posoperatorios/métodosRESUMEN
New technologies used in the area of prostate brachytherapy have resulted in a resurgence of interest in this modality of therapy for early stage prostate cancer. Results of prostate brachytherapy have been reported to be as favorable as radical prostatectomy. Nursing care is multifaceted and necessitates a thorough understanding of brachytherapy techniques, sequelae, and radiation safety.