What is it?
The prostate volume study is an ultrasound of your prostate done to determine the exact size and shape of the gland. Pictures or images of the prostate are taken and used to design each patient's individualized treatment plan. At the conclusion of the volume study, the Radiation Oncologist will decide if you are a candidate for seed implantation alone or if some form of combination therapy is necessary.

Preparing for the prostate volume study


• You will receive bowel preparation instructions prior to your volume study appointment. A copy of these instructions is included for your convenience. The quality of the volume study is dependent upon strict adherence to these instructions.
  
  

What to bring


• Please obtain a copy of your latest electrocardiogram (EKG) and /or stress test. Simply call the doctor's office where you have had these tests performed and request a copy be faxed to the fax number listed on the business card or ask to pick it up in person. Also, obtain a chest X-ray report (not the films), if you have had one performed within six months of your volume study appointment. If you cannot obtain these reports, we will help you at the time of your volume study.
  
  
• Any referrals from your primary physician must be brought to the center. These are especially important for the pre-treatment testing that must be performed prior to the seed implantation procedure. These tests may include a chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work. These tests are only performed if you are a candidate for the seed implant and if you have decided on this course of treatment.
  
  

What to expect


• When you arrive at the center, a staff member will greet you and bring you to the volume study suite. At this time you will need to change into a gown.
  
  
• For the volume study, you must lie on your back with your legs in the lithotomy position (similarly to the way your legs would be bent if you were riding a motorcycle). Please inform us if you have a history of back surgery, spinal stenosis or knee or hip replacements.
  
  
• To visualize your urethra, a urinary catheter may be placed into your bladder. Then, an ultrasound probe will be inserted into your rectum.
  The probe is the instrument that visualizes the prostate gland.
  
  
• Once all of the pictures have been taken, the catheter is removed. Total time for this study is approximately 10-15 minutes, although your total visit may take up to an hour.
  
  

The next step


• Immediately following the volume study, a staff member may review your medical history, medications, and current urinary status. Your urinary status is based on the AUA Score Sheet filled out at your first appointment to the center.
  
  
• Depending on the extent of your urinary symptoms, medications may be required to improve your urinary function prior to the seed implant.
  
  
• You may be given a written prescription for two days of antibiotics to be taken after the volume study as directed. Antibiotics are given as a preventative measure against infection from catheterization. It is normal to experience some burning with urination and urine may be blood tinged. These symptoms are directly related to catheterization and should resolve within 24 hours.
  
  
• IMPORTANT: Based on your medical history, you may be asked to obtain medical clearance or test reports from your primary physician before undergoing a seed implantation. It is extremely important that we receive all requested documents one to two weeks prior to your seed implant appointment.
  
  

Scheduling


• Every effort is made to schedule your seed implant at the time of your study visit. However, since scheduling involves coordinating both the urologist and radiation oncologist, it is not always possible to do so the day of your volume study.
  
  
• If your seed implant is scheduled after you leave the Arnold Palmer Prostate Center, a member of our staff will call you with the procedure date and time arranged by the physicians.