A new perineal template assembly for high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy of gynecologic malignancies.

This technical note introduces a modified Syed-Neblett type perineal template for high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy of gynecologic malignancies. The template can easily be disassembled after the insertion of the central needles into the pelvis allowing the cystoscopic and rectoscopic control of the needle positions. Thus needles penetrating the bladder or the rectum are recognized and can be repositioned before reassembling the template. Elimination of hot irradiation zones in tumor-free bladder and rectum walls might lead to reduction of severe late complications without compromising the therapeutic efficacy.