[Improvement of the radiological protection in the interstitial radiotherapy with radiogold seeds (author's transl)].

In spite of all its advantages, the interstitial therapy with radiogold seeds has the disadvantage to expose the staff to a higher radiation loading than other nuclides and therapy methods. For the application of an implantation canula with linear arrangement of the radiogold seeds before the ejector (according to Hellriegel), the authors propose a simple device which can also be self-fabricated, to protect from gamma radiation during transport and laying down of the set ready for use. Construction and application are described. At a distance of 10 cm from the lead container, the radiation dose amounts to 0.3 mR/h per 1 mCi (37 MBq) of the activity of the seeds. The use of interstitial radiotherapy is also possible in small departments. The authors inform their practical experiences gained during the treatment of 26 patients.