ABSTRACT
The history of prostate brachytherapy extends nearly 100 years, beginning in the early years of the 20th century in Paris. Enthusiasm for the procedure waxed and waned over the years. A number of renowned urologists contributed to the history of prostate brachytherapy including Hugh Hampton Young, Benjamin Barringer, and Willett Whitmore.1-3 The technique has evolved from an intraurethral approach using radium capsules to an interstitial approach relying on radon capsules to an open procedure returning back to a closed transperineal approach. The present widespread acceptance of permanent prostate brachytherapy is the result of prostate screening and improved technology that currently allows for an outpatient procedure that generally can be accomplished in one to two hours.4 Coincident with the evolution of various techniques, the sources used in the procedure have evolved.
