Gold seeds (Fiducial Markers)

Insertion of gold seeds is an ultrasound guided procedure where gold markers are placed into the prostate in preparation for radiotherapy. The insertion of these radio opaque seeds around the prostate allows better visualisation of the prostate and target the prostate more accurately with radiotherapy. The markers are very small (about three millimetres) and will not cause you any discomfort once they are in position.

Please go to the peri-operative department on the day of your procedure and the staff there will prepare you and perform a set of routine observations before coming to the interventional radiology department for your procedure.

Please continue to take all your regular medication with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including your blood pressure medication.

Please inform the clerk at the time of booking your procedure if you are currently taking medication that thins your blood (eg Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin) as these may need to be stopped a few days prior to your procedure. It may be useful to bring a LIST of medications to your appointment.

For health and safety reasons, family members cannot be present with you during the procedure. A staff member will be available to assist you at all times during the procedure if you have any concerns.

A doctor will explain the procedure beforehand and you will be required to sign a consent form. If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking.

It is important that you have taken your antibiotic on the morning prior to the procedure.

You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist down, including underwear and change into a hospital gown. You will be positioned on your side on our examination bed with your knees positioned towards your chin.

A rectal ultrasound probe will be inserted into your rectum (similar procedure to the biopsy) and the seeds will be guided into position.

An x-ray will be performed to confirm the correct location of the seeds.

It is possible to experience some slight bleeding from the rectum for a few days after the procedure. A pad in your underwear may be useful for bleeding. It is also common to have blood stained urine.

It is important that you continue and complete the prescribed course of antibiotics to prevent infection.

It is recommended that you avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for one to two weeks after the procedure.

A report regarding your procedure will be given to you before you leave to give to your referring doctor. It contains information about your procedure and any findings that your doctor should know about.