Brachytherapy seed, best industries iodine 125
HCPCS code
Brachytherapy Seed, Best Industries Iodine-125 (C1803)
Name of the Procedure:
Common Names: Iodine-125 Seed Implantation, Internal Radiation Therapy
Technical/Medical Terms: Brachytherapy using Iodine-125, Prostate Seed Implant, Brachytherapy Seed, Best Industries I-125
Summary
Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 involves placing radioactive seeds directly into or near a tumor to deliver targeted radiation therapy. These seeds emit radiation over time, directly affecting cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Purpose
Medical Conditions Addressed: Prostate cancer, certain types of head and neck cancers, other localized tumors
Goals/Expected Outcomes: Destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, prevent cancer recurrence, minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions: Diagnosed localized tumors, predominantly prostate cancer, potentially early-stage or low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
Patient Criteria: Good general health, early-stage localized cancer, non-metastatic cases, patients ineligible for surgery, or those choosing brachytherapy as opposed to external beam radiation therapy.
Preparation
Instructions:
- Fasting 6-8 hours before the procedure
- Adjusting medications as directed by a healthcare provider
- Pre-procedure imaging tests (CT scans, MRI)
Assessments/Tests: - Blood tests
- Imaging studies for precise tumor localization
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia and Sedation: Administered local or general anesthesia
- Preparation: Patient positioned on the treatment table
- Imaging: Use ultrasound, CT, or MRI for accurate seed placement
- Seed Implantation: A needle or catheter places I-125 seeds in/near the tumor
- Confirmation: Imaging ensures precise placement of seeds
Tools/Equipment: Radioactive iodine-125 seeds, needles/catheters, ultrasound/CT/MRI machines.
Duration
Typically takes about 1-2 hours.
Setting
Usually performed in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical center.
Personnel
Involved Professionals:
- Radiation oncologist
- Medical physicist
- Radiologist
- Surgeon (if necessary)
- Nursing staff
- Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Mild pain, swelling, discomfort around the implantation site, urinary symptoms
Rare Risks: Infection, bleeding, unintended radiation exposure to surrounding tissues, seed migration
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Effective tumor control, minimal damage to surrounding tissues, fewer side effects compared to external beam radiation, shorter recovery time. Benefits may be realized within weeks to months post-treatment.
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care:
- Pain management with prescribed medications
- Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days
- Regular follow-up appointments for monitoring Recovery Time: Typically a few days to a week, varies per individual
Alternatives
Other Options: External beam radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy, hormone therapy, active surveillance
Pros/Cons of Alternatives:
- External Beam Radiation: Less invasive but longer treatment duration
- Radical Prostatectomy: Complete cancer removal but higher risk of urinary/sexual dysfunction
- Hormone Therapy: Non-invasive, systemic side effects
- Active Surveillance: No immediate treatment but regular monitoring needed
Patient Experience
During the procedure, due to anesthesia, the patient will be comfortable and might feel minimal discomfort post-procedure. Post-implantation, transient discomfort, and urinary symptoms are common, which are managed with prescribed painkillers and follow-up care. Patient comfort is prioritized with most discomfort subsiding in a few days.