Use of TRUS to predict pubic arch interference of prostate brachytherapy

Purpose: To demonstrate the potential for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to predict pubic arch interference of transperineal needle placement for prost ate brachytherapy, Methods and Materials: TRUS and pelvic computerized tomography (CT) scans f rom 22 patients who had transperineal prostate brachytherapy at University of Washington were analyzed for pubic arch visualization and interference. The outer margins of the prostate and the inner margins of the pubic bones from each imaging modality were outlined and compared. Results: The pubic arch was readily visualized by TRUS in 21 of the 22 pati ents. There was good correlation between TRUS and CT for evaluating the amo unt of pubic arch interference (r = 0.90). Conclusion: TRUS can be substituted for CT imaging to evaluate pubic arch i nterference of transperineal needle placement for prostate brachytherapy, E liminating routine CT scanning would reduce the cost of treatment. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.