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120 R A D I U M
In an effort to bring the radium in closer proximity to the prostatic
mass and to secure a more uniform distribution of its active principle.
Barringer in 1915 began the use of "radium needles." which were
long hollow structures containing at their poinis a cavity which held
a certain number of milligrams of radium element. These were inserted
into the prostate gland through the perineum and allowed to remain
there for several hours. The number of needles used and the
length of time they remained in ihe gland depended upon the extent
of the carcinomatous enlargement, and the strength of radiation desired.
Later Young, in an attempt to increase the dosage of radium applied to
the carcinomatous prostate and to more accurately apply it. devised several
radium holders—or carriers, some of wh:ch were more accurately
inserted along the urethra, coming to rest in the prostatic portion while
J
Figure I
Trocar with l>tiirator In place, through wlilcl the; radium
needles are passed.
i; Radium n.-cdles at the end of which Is carried the 'sped"
containing the radium emanation.
others were inserted per rectum, coming to lie in close approximation to
the posterior lobe of the prostate, which portion is generally conceded
to be the site of predilection for the origin of carcinoma in this region.
These so-called radium carriers all made use of small amounts of the
radium element for their therapeutic efficiency.
Due to the increased facilities in handling the emanation of radium
founded upon Duane's researches antl particularly to the knowledge
that their therapeutic potency is equal to that of the clement radium itself,
a more general use of this form of application is now being made.
As a means of satisfactorily using this form of emanation therapy
in carcinoma of the prostate, a method has been devised which for the
past three years has been used with some success. Bv this technique
it has been possible to accurately deposit within the prostate gland, seminal
vesicles, and trigone. 1500-2000 millicuric hours of radium. This
can be accomplished under novocaine anaesthesia, in about 8-10 minutes.
Xo prolonged instrumentation of urethra, rectum or perineum