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Permanent Brachytherapy is a most appropriate treatment option for
many men with early prostate cancer. The relapse-free survival rate
(~85% at 10 to15 years) is equal to the best surgical results.
In 1999 Prostate Implants New Zealand Ltd were the first group to introduce
prostate brachytherapy treatment as an option for men in New Zealand.
We are now a very experienced team.
Permanent brachytherapy is a high-tech procedure and right from the
start we instigated a quality assurance program to assess the quality
of the implants and thus the success and safety of the brachytherapy
treatment. We have presented our data regularly at national and international
meetings
Brachytherapy is recognised by health insurance companies who fund
it in a similar way to surgical treatments. Unfortunately it is not
provided in the public health system because of the higher cost.
The advantages of brachytherapy include:
- Short hospital stay - usually overnight
- Minimally invasive procedure (not an operation)
- Early return to usual activities
- Few long term side effects
Prostate Implants NZ Ltd uses facililties at Southern Cross Healthcare's Brightside Hospital, Epsom (shown above). |
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