OVGH SEES FIRST BRACHYTHERAPY PATIENT

Thursday August 19, 2011 Ohio Valley General Hospital (O.V.G.H.) saw its first Brachytherapy Patient by Dr. Corral, Urologist and Dr. Ulewicz, Radiation Oncologist.

 Brachytherapy is a patient friendly, non invasive effective treatment for prostate cancer. This procedure requires fewer trips to the hospital than other forms of treatment.  Unlike prostate surgery, brachytherapy can often be done as an outpatient procedure without the need for hospitalization.  Recovery time is also very short, especially compared with other treatment options.  Patients who undergo brachytherapy are typically able to return to normal activities within a few days.

Brachytherapy can be very effective because it delivers radiation directly to the prostate in a way that targets the tumor with high levels of accuracy. This procedure is truly minimally invasive, and is often less painful than other treatments.  No incision is made; instead, the procedure is completed with a series of needle sticks. There is also less pain associated with brachytherapy than with other forms of treatment, especially prostatectomy.

Each prostate cancer patient is different and only the doctor and patient together can determine which treatment is the best in any given situation. However, the benefits of brachytherapy make it a valuable treatment option to consider either alone or in combination with other forms of treatment.

For more information about Brachytherapy at Ohio Valley General Hospital please contact Paulette Bingham by phone: 412 777-6209. Or for more information about Ohio Valley General Hospital please visit www.ohiovalleyhospital.org .