Prostate brachytherapy in patients with prior evidence of prostatitis.

PURPOSE: To refute a misconception that a prior history of prostatitis is a contraindication to prostate brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five patients with clinical or pathologic evidence of prior prostatitis were treated with transperineal brachytherapy. Four of the patients received a single i.v. dose of ciprofloxacin (500 mg) intraoperatively. Postimplant antibiotics were not given. The pretreatment biopsy slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two of the five patients developed postimplant urinary retention requiring short-term catheterization, and both resolved spontaneously. One patient developed what appeared to be an exacerbation of his chronic prostatitis.

CONCLUSION

We continue to recommend prostate brachytherapy for the treatment of clinically organ-confined cancer, with no concern about prior clinical or pathologic evidence of prostatitis.