Your Brachytherapy Journey
A guide to High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy. Internal radiation therapy delivered with precision.
01.Referral & Consultation
Your journey starts with a referral to our Brachytherapy team. You will meet your oncologist to discuss if internal radiation is right for you.
- Discuss benefits and risks
- Review your medical history
- Sign consent forms
02.Pre-Treatment Assessment
Before the procedure, you may need blood tests and an assessment by our anaesthetist to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
- Blood tests
- Anaesthetic check
- Instructions for fasting
03.Applicator Insertion
This is a minor procedure done in a sterile room, often under anaesthesia or sedation. A special device (applicator) is placed near the tumour.
- Performed in a sterile environment
- Pain-free during insertion due to anaesthesia
- Takes about 30-45 minutes
04.Planning Scan
With the applicator in place, you will have a CT / MRI scan. This helps our team design a precise radiation plan safe for your organs.
- Quick scan with applicator
- Images sent to planning computers
- You rest while we plan
05.HDR Treatment Delivery
You are connected to the HDR Afterloader machine. A tiny radiation source travels into the applicator to treat the cancer from the inside.
- Treatment takes only 10-20 minutes
- Painless delivery
- You are alone in the room but monitored on CCTV
06.Removal & Recovery
After treatment, the applicator is removed. You will recover in our ward for a few hours before going home.
- Applicator removal is quick
- Observation for a few hours
- Discharge instructions given
07.Follow-up
We will schedule a review appointment to check on your recovery and discuss further care.
- Manage any post-procedure effects
- Monitoring plan
- Back to normal activities soon
Questions about the procedure?
Our specialist nurses can explain the procedure in more detail.