Poster Presentation – Abstracts Archive

UK & Ireland Prostate Brachytherapy Conference 2017

Abstract number 18

LDR Prostate Brachytherapy service streamlining

Shiels P*; Mitchell D*; Jain S*; Workman G*; Donovan M*; Irwin A*
*Belfast City Hospital

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Low Dose Rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy was established in 2009 as a 2 step procedure requiring inpatient admission prior to procedures and post implant stay. Volume study and implants performed under GA, current capacity was based on 3 patients per session with 40 sessions per annum, allowing a maximum of 60 implants to be performed per annum.

MATERIALS/METHODS: A review of the different components of the service to ensure best use of resources currently being employed was carried out. The multi-disciplinary team involved, discussed the patient pathway and staff roles, networked with other UK centres to determine if any changes could be integrated into our pathways that would provide patient beneﬁ ts to our service.

RESULTS: Agreed with ward staff that all patients admitted on the morning of the procedure and would be discharged the same day. Overnight in-patient stay reduced by 100%. Volume study patients undergo procedure with sedation, not GA, quicker recovery time and quicker discharge with reduced anaesthetic risks. Agreed that additional volume study could be accommodated by re-use of a bed. Probe decontamination method changed saving time
and staff requirements.

CONCLUSION: Increased capacity per session to 2 volumes and 2 implants, now able to treat
80 implants per annum, reducing the waiting time for patients by offering more treatment slots. Routine post implant dose assessment peer review of the implants has conﬁ rmed the same high quality of implant procedure.