Brachytherapy
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Brachytherapy involves the insertion of radioactive sources, such as seeds, rods, or capsules, into or near the tumor site. This localized treatment delivers high doses of radiation to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissue. The primary advantage of brachytherapy over external beam radiation therapy is its precision, making it an excellent choice for tumors in delicate areas where damage to healthy tissue needs to be avoided.
Brachytherapy is categorized into two main types: high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. In HDR brachytherapy, the radiation source is placed for a short period, and the session is repeated over a specified number of days or weeks. In LDR brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are permanently implanted in or near the tumor, releasing radiation gradually over time. Depending on the type of cancer being treated, doctors will decide which approach is more suitable for the patient.
This procedure can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. In certain cases, such as prostate cancer, brachytherapy has been proven to be just as effective as surgery or external radiation therapy, while also offering fewer side effects and quicker recovery times.
Procedure Duration
The length of a brachytherapy procedure varies depending on the cancer being treated and the type of brachytherapy used. In general, the procedure itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Pre-procedure preparation:
Before the procedure begins, imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound are conducted to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. These imaging tools help the medical team determine the best placement of the radioactive sources. In some cases, anesthesia may be used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.
- HDR Brachytherapy:
In HDR brachytherapy, the radioactive material is inserted into the tumor site for a short duration—typically 10 to 20 minutes—and then removed. This process is repeated multiple times, over a period of several days or weeks, depending on the treatment plan. Patients can return home between sessions, making it a convenient option for many.
- LDR Brachytherapy:
In LDR brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are implanted permanently. The procedure itself takes 1 to 2 hours, after which the patient is often able to return home the same day. These seeds will gradually lose their radiation strength over time, requiring no further treatment or removal.
Post-procedure, recovery times vary based on the patient’s overall health and the type of brachytherapy performed. Most patients experience mild discomfort, but they are usually able to resume their normal activities within a few days. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the treatment’s progress and ensure the cancer is responding as expected.
Benefits
- Targeted treatment:
Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to the tumor, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Fewer side effects:
Compared to external radiation, brachytherapy often results in fewer side effects, such as fatigue and skin irritation.
- Outpatient procedure:
Many brachytherapy treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
- Shorter treatment duration:
Brachytherapy treatments are often completed in a shorter time frame compared to other forms of radiation therapy.
- Proven effectiveness:
Brachytherapy has been proven to be highly effective in treating various cancers, including prostate, breast, and cervical cancers.
Potential Destinations
- Germany:
Known for its advanced medical technology, Germany offers high standards of care in radiation oncology. Many German hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making the country an attractive destination for brachytherapy treatments.
- Turkey:
Turkey is a rising star in medical tourism, offering world-class medical services at competitive prices. Hospitals in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara provide specialized cancer treatments, including brachytherapy, with internationally accredited standards.
- India:
India is renowned for its skilled doctors and affordable healthcare. Cancer treatment centers in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore offer advanced radiation therapy, including brachytherapy, attracting many international patients.
- Spain:
Spain boasts a well-established healthcare system and cutting-edge cancer treatment facilities. Brachytherapy is widely available in major cities, where hospitals emphasize patient care and comfort during the treatment process.
- Mexico:
Mexico has become a popular destination for North American patients seeking affordable yet high-quality medical treatments. Leading hospitals in Mexico City and Tijuana offer comprehensive oncology services, including brachytherapy.
Risks & Considerations
- Radiation exposure:
Although brachytherapy minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue, there is still a risk of minor radiation-related side effects, such as fatigue or skin reactions.
- Infection at the insertion site:
As with any procedure that involves insertion of foreign objects into the body, there is a small risk of infection at the site where radioactive material is placed.
- Tissue damage:
There is a possibility of temporary or permanent tissue damage near the treatment area, depending on the proximity of the radioactive material to healthy tissues.
- Urinary and bowel issues:
In cases like prostate cancer treatment, brachytherapy may cause temporary urinary or bowel issues due to the proximity of the prostate to these systems.
- Pregnancy and fertility concerns:
For women, brachytherapy used to treat gynecological cancers may impact fertility. It is essential to discuss these concerns with a doctor before undergoing treatment.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for brachytherapy is a critical step in ensuring successful treatment outcomes. When considering a provider, it is important to focus on the experience and qualifications of the radiation oncologists and medical teams.
Look for hospitals that have dedicated oncology departments with modern technology and offer a comprehensive range of cancer treatments, including both external and internal radiation therapies. The medical team should include experts in brachytherapy with experience treating the specific type of cancer you are dealing with.
In addition, researching the facility's accreditation and quality standards is essential. Many hospitals worldwide undergo rigorous accreditation processes, ensuring they meet international healthcare standards. It’s also important to consider the facility’s patient reviews and success rates for brachytherapy procedures.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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