Prostate Gold Seed Marker Placement

For Image-Guided and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Image-guided therapy uses recurrent images during the course of radiation therapy to recognize any improvements needed in your treatment. Somerset Urological uses special machines that enable our doctors to capture pictures of the affected area. Most commonly, the images are taken before and after radiation therapy to compare the differences. If the doctor feels there is not enough improvement or something else needs to be done, the image-guided therapy allows him or her to recognize it right away. In some cases, the doctors may have the patient use markers to help better identify the area.

What is a Gold Seed Marker?

A gold marker seed is what doctors use to make your prostate visible in order to successfully locate the tumor. This type of non-radioactive marker is specifically used for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy. The gold marker seeds will permanently stay in your prostate gland.

Preparation for Gold Seed Marker Placement

Our doctors will always do a pre-assessment to make sure there are no interfering factors for performing radiation therapy. It is highly recommended for a woman who may be pregnant or breastfeeding to speak to their doctor beforehand. Some safety measures to take before the procedure is performed are the following:

• No blood thinning agents 10 days prior
• Do not take aspirin, Advil, or Aleve 10 days prior
• Follow all personal suggestions given to you by the Urologist

The Procedure

An ultrasound probe will be used to insert the Gold Seed Markers into the rectum. By using a needle in the probe, the Gold Seed Markers are placed in the prostate. Although you may experience some brief sharp pain, the procedure is generally a simple process.

After The Procedure

You will be able to return home directly after the procedure. The doctor will also provide you with antibiotics to help with healing. In addition, it is highly recommended to drink lots of fluids in the days following the procedure. It is common for patients to experience small amounts of blood in their urine or anus for a day or two after. If any symptoms appear for much longer after the procedure, we ask you to please contact your doctor immediately.

You are always in the safest of hands with Somerset Urological Associates. Our goal is for you to be able to lead a happier, carefree life after the procedure. Contact us at (908)-927-0300.