Prostate Fiducial and SpaceOAR procedure
Patients who are planning to be treated with radiation therapy for their prostate cancer may be recommended to have small pieces of gold (fiducials) inserted into the prostate prior to their first treatment.
- Performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia
- Takes approximately 15 minutes
- Three needles are inserted into the prostate through the skin for insertion of the fiducials
- A 4th needle is placed behind the prostate for insertion of a temporary hydrogel spacer
- Minimal discomfort or bleeding
- Resume normal activities the following day
During radiation treatment, the fiducials are visualized using CT scans and Xrays, and help precisely locate the prostate. Using Xrays obtained while delivering radiation treatment, we are able to automatically detect these fiducials and adjust a patient’s position in real-time.
Pre-SpaceOAR
Post-SpaceOAR
