Radiation Safety with Prostate Seed Implantation
Radioactive seeds remain into your prostate gland after your prostate seed implant. For this reason there are certain safety measures you should take after your implant. These are discussed below.
The number of prostate seeds used in a prostate seed implant varies with the size of the gland. Each seed is about 1/8th inch long. The seeds are grayish silver in color. They look like a piece of lead from a lead pencil.
Very rarely, a seed that is close to the urethra may come out in your urine or ejaculate. Never touch prostate seeds with your fingers and ALWAYS flush down the toilet bowl. If you pass a seed into clothing use a tweezers or spoon to pick it up. The radiation in the seeds will not spread into the tweezers or spoon. If you pass a seed in a condom, use a scissors to trim the condom and then flush the seed in the toilet. Passing a few seeds will not affect your implant. If you pass more than a few seeds, call your radiation doctor.
The radiation level in the seeds is strongest right after your implant. Over time, the radiation levels lessens or “decays”. How long it takes for all the radiation in the seeds to decay depends on the type seed used. The radiation doctor or nurse will talk to you about this. The chart below may be helpful:
|
Percentage of Radioactivity in Seeds |
||||
Type of Seed |
Day of Implant |
1 month after Implant |
3 months after Implant |
6 months after Implant |
12 months after Implant |
Iodine 125 |
100 |
71 |
35 |
12 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are not contagious. You will not spread radiation by sharing a toothbrush or shaking hands. Little of the radiation from the seeds makes it out of your body. For this reason, you will not pose much of a hazard to those around you.
You will have many seeds in your prostate gland. The radiation in your body will be concentrated in your lower pelvis. For the most part, your body will act as a natural shield. But there are some safety measures you should take in the first days to weeks after your implant. These measures have to do with the amount of time you spend around others. It also has to do with the distance you keep from others. These restrictions are listed below. They apply if Iodine 125 seeds are used.
- Do not let infants or small children sit on your lap for more than 20 minutes per hour during the first 3 months after the implant.
- Limit the time you spend close to pregnant women during the first 3 months after the implant. You may hug and stand next to them for short periods of time, about 1 1/2 hours per day for the first 2 months, and 3 hours per day for the next month. At distances greater than 2 feet, you may spend as much time with a pregnant woman as you want.
- Do not “spoon” with your sleeping partner for several weeks after your implant. You may want to sleep by yourself if there is any question of maintaining a safe distance between you and your partner.
- Although there are no formal restrictions on your pets, you may want to use similar precautions with them.
If other types of seeds are used, we will give you other instructions.
You will be given a card with information about the date and type of your implant. You should keep this card in your wallet. The card will also include the name of your radiation doctor. Keep this card and letter with you in the event of an emergency. Show it to any doctor you consult over the coming months. You should also carry the card if you will be in airports or traveling to Canada or Mexico.
If you should unexpectedly die before the radiation in the seeds is completely gone, your family should contact the Radiation Oncology Department at (608) 263-8500. Special handling of your body will be required.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns. The phone number for the Radiation Oncology Clinic is (608) 263-8500. If you live outside of the Madison area, call 1-800-323-8942. If the clinic is closed, your call will be transferred to our answering service. Ask to speak to the radiation doctor on call. The doctor will call you back.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/18/2013
Copyright © 01/18/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6567
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