Lung Brachytherapy Using I-125 Seeds
What is Lung Brachytherapy?
Lung Brachytherapy is a surgical procedure done in the operating room. The tumor is removed. A mesh embedded with I-125 (iodine) radioactive seeds is inserted.
Each seed is about 5mm long. It is metallic-silver in color. It is about the thickness of lead from a mechanical pencil. Most often, 40 seeds are within the mesh. The seeds give up almost all of their radiation where they are placed. Your body is a natural shield. Little radiation will leave it. The body surface in the area of your surgery will register radiation on a survey meter. For this reason, there are some safety measures you need to follow.
- Do not hold infants or small children near your chest during the first 3 weeks after your procedure.
- Limit the time you spend with pregnant women during the first four months after your procedure. You may hug and stand next to them for short periods of time. For the first two months, this is 1 hour per day. For the next two months, this is 3 hours per day. If you stay more than 2 feet away, you may spend as much time with a pregnant woman as you want.
- Maintain separate sleeping arrangements for the first week after your procedure.
- There are no restrictions on your pets.
- There are no restrictions for flying on an airplane
You are not contagious. Nothing you touch will become radioactive.
If you have any questions, feel free to call. We can be reached Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (608) 263-8500. On nights, weekends, and holidays, you will reach the paging operator. Ask for the Radiation Oncologist on call. Give the operator your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the Radiation Oncology clinic.
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: 03/23/2012
Copyright © 03/23/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6909
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