A device for interstitial therapy of low pelvic tumours--the Hammersmith perineal hedgehog.

The freehand production of accurate volume or multiplane implants for interstitial therapy is difficult. The size of tumour that may be treated in this fashion is therefore limited. A solution to this problem is to use a perspex template to guide the implant and maintain its configuration during treatment. We describe our experience using such a template (the Syed-Neblett template) in treating pelvic tumours. The device has been adapted for use with the iridium wire available in the UK. Two new templates have been designed which are more versatile for treating tumours in this area. Ten patients have been treated and with appropriate analgesia, antibiotic cover and nursing care the implant was well tolerated.