In Depth Evaluation

    If our preliminary review of your medical records indicates that you are a candidate for seed implantation, you may wish to come to Seattle for a comprehensive evaluation at SPI. As described below, this will include a thorough medical work-up, specialized ultrasound procedures, and other tests relevant to evaluating or planning an implant. 

    In advance of your visit, we may also ask you to have your pathology (biopsy) slides sent to us so that we may review them to confirm the diagnosis. Before leaving home, you may also want take the time to fill out our New Patient Registration Form and bring it with you. You can print out this form in either Rich Text Format (works with most word processors) or PDF Format. To open PDF files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader  which can be downloaded for free. When the download is complete, close the Acrobat window to return to this page.

Your consultation visit will include several components:

Ultrasound Volume Study: The first item on your schedule will be the volume study. This key procedure, carried out in our office, provides information on the size and shape of your prostate gland and forms the basis of your entire course of treatment from pre-operative planning through post-operative evaluation.

     During this 20-25 minute examination, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum and a series of cross-sectional images is taken along the length of the prostate gland. Using sophisticated physics software, the ultrasound images are transformed by computer into a three-dimensional image that allows physicians and physics staff to plan exactly where the seeds should be placed in the prostate in order to get the maximum therapeutic benefit.

Physician Consultation: Following the volume study, you and your physician will meet for an hour or more to discuss your medical needs and treatment options. Along with an assessment of your general health status, you will talk at length about the effectiveness, complications, and possible side effects of seed implantation. You and your doctor will also discuss whether or not your treatment should combine implantation with other cancer therapies such as external beam radiation or hormonal therapy. (Three months of hormonal treatment can be required to shrink a prostate that is too large for implantation. In these cases, a follow-up volume study is scheduled to ensure that the reduction is size was sufficient for an implant to take place.)

Supplemental Testing: On the basis of your medical evaluation, some additional testing (e.g., bone scan or CT scan) may be necessary before a final recommendation can be made regarding your treatment. Any such tests can be done after you return home and the results forwarded to SPI.

Scheduling an Implant: If you decide on having an implant at SPI, our nursing staff will work with you to schedule a return visit. Should you require external beam radiation or hormonal treatment, these must be given prior to the implant. We will provide you and your local doctors with information necessary to carry out these treatment plans in preparation for the implant.