Abel L J, Blatt H J, Stipetich R L, Fuscardo J A, Dafoe-Lambie J C, Dorsey A T, Butler W M, Merrick G S
Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2000 May-Jun;4(3):126-9.
Nearly all patients experience some degree of urinary irritative or obstructive symptoms following brachytherapy for definitive treatment of early-stage prostate cancer. The American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index is a tool developed to measure urinary function and can be incorporated into postoperative nursing management. When this questionnaire is administered at regular intervals following surgery, the patient's urinary status can be assessed quickly and treatment changes made according to symptoms, with resultant improvement in comfort levels. The postoperative use of the AUA index is recommended for all nurses who care for patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy.
