Best Hospitals-Vaginal Brachytherapy Treatment & Recovery

Best hospitals for Vaginal Brachytherapy treatment & recovery. Trusted care with GetWellGo for international patients seeking advanced treatment.

Best Hospitals-Vaginal Brachytherapy Treatment & Recovery

  • Category

    Gynecology

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    20-May-2025

Vaginal Brachytherapy Treatment

Vaginal brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy that is most commonly applied for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, notably endometrial (cancer of the uterus) and, in certain instances, vaginal or cervical cancer. It's a highly localized and target-specific treatment aimed to destroy cancerous cells while exposing healthy tissues to minimal irradiation.

Vaginal Brachytherapy Side Effects

Brachytherapy using the vagina is normally well-tolerated, but as with any type of radiation therapy, side effects result from it, which differ according to the amount of radiation, frequency, and personal sensitivity.

Common Side Effects of Vaginal Brachytherapy

These are mostly localized and temporary:

Vaginal Side Effects

  • Vaginal dryness or irritation
  • Vaginal narrowing or stenosis
  • Discomfort or pressure during insertion
  • Vaginal discharge or spotting

Bowel and Bladder Side Effects

  • Urinary frequency or urgency
  • Mild burning while urinating
  • Loose stools or bowel urgency

Fatigue

What is vaginal brachytherapy?

Vaginal brachytherapy places a source of radiation within or close to the vagina, usually in the form of a cylindrical applicator. It enables a high dose of radiation to be delivered locally to the target site, for example, the vaginal cuff (upper end of the vagina, usually after a hysterectomy), with fewer side effects than external beam radiation therapy.

Vaginal Brachytherapy Procedure

Vaginal brachytherapy is a typical treatment given either after an operation for endometrial (uterine) cancer or vaginal/cervical cancer.

Step-by-Step Guide for Vaginal Brachytherapy

Initial Consultation

  • You are going to see a radiation oncologist.
  • Your doctor will review what you have been diagnosed with, any past surgeries (including hysterectomy) and imaging done in the past.
  • Part of the process is talking about the expected benefits of treatment, the drawbacks to look out for and planning the process.

Treatment Planning (using simulation and CT images)

  • A wide range of plastic or metal cylinders (called applicators) are offered and you pick one that fits you perfectly.
  • In some cases, the planning CT scan is performed after placing the applicator to find out the exact area to target.
  • The oncologist, physicist and dosimetrist rely on these images to design the dose and treatment plan.

Treatment Sessions 

All sessions contain the following parts:

  • Preparation
  • No anaesthesia is used for most cases.
  • In some cases, emptying your bladder before the examination is recommended.
  • If you are having your scan, a nurse can assist in lying you down with your knees bent and your feet flat on the table.

Applicator Insertion

  • The vaginal cylinder is softly placed inside the vagina.
  • It is attached to the HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy machine.
  • The device holds the radioactive source for only a short while.

Radiation Delivery

  • Usually, you are left in the room on your own, but the doctor is watching you through a camera.
  • The radioactive source is directed from the applicator to the location where treatment is needed.
  • Every session is completed in around 5 to 15 minutes, including the amount of time spent on radiation.
  • It can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to explore the place.

Post-Treatment

  • Next, the applicator is taken out.
  • You no longer have any radioactivity in you.
  • You may leave the hospital the same day after your treatment (outpatient).

Treatment Schedule

Typical regimens:

  • Participate in 3–5 sessions per week for a total of 1–2 times a week.
  • It will take 1 to 2 weeks to complete the program.
  • The course of treatment is based on your situation, level of risk and whether you had external beam radiation.

Brachytherapy for Endometrial Cancer

Following the surgery, brachytherapy is commonly used for endometrial cancer to lower the risk of cancer returning in the upper vagina for early to intermediate stages of the disease.

What is it?

  • During brachytherapy, a radioactive source is put inside or close to the crucial area, often in the vaginal cuff (where the uterus was previously located).
  • Its use will depend on a person’s particular risk factors; it may be the only treatment or it may be combined with EBRT.

In Which Situations Is Brachytherapy Used?

Used after a total hysterectomy for reasons such as:

  • The doctor may call the cancer Stage I or II endometrial cancer.
  • Those at high-intermediate risk (because of their age, having a high-stage tumor and lymphovascular invasion)

In some cases, the term may be substituted with another name:

  • After EBRT as a boost.
  • The same treatment can be used for cancer that recurs in the vaginal vault.

Vaginal Brachytherapy Recovery Time

Most women who get vaginal brachytherapy are able to handle it well and are permitted to go home right after the procedure. It usually takes little time to recover, as this treatment is usually given alone (with no added radiation).

Recovery Timeline

During treatment: The time for a session is 30-60 minutes. Most activities can be resumed that very day.
First 1 to 2 days: There may be minor discomfort inside the vagina, some light bleeding or tiredness. The majority of people feel okay after a day.
1week Post-treatment: You should feel fully energized and most irritation in your bladder or bowel should be gone.
2-4 weeks Post-treatment: You could be told to use vaginal dilators to prevent narrowing.
Long-term: Sexual intercourse may be continued after about 4–6 weeks (though your doctor may advise starting earlier). Mild dryness of the vagina may not go away but is easy to handle.

Factors Affecting Cost of Vaginal Brachytherapy in India

The price of vaginal brachytherapy in India depends on various important factors. Here are some details on what affects the overall price:

  • Hospital Type & Location
  • Number of Sessions
  • Type of Brachytherapy Equipment
  • Inpatient vs Outpatient Setting
  • Diagnostic and Planning Costs
  • Doctor & Specialist Fees
  • Insurance or Package Plans
  • International Patient Services

Vaginal Brachytherapy Success Rate

Appropriate use of vaginal brachytherapy after surgery for cancer of the uterus gives a high chance of recovery.

  • Chance of local recurrence at the vagina is low, ranging from 95 to 98 percent.
  • The percentage of early-stage patients who survive for at least 5 years ranges from 85% to 95%.
  • In Stage I endometrial cancer, up to 95% of patients are free from the disease.
  • The rate for vaginal vault recurrence is under 5% when brachytherapy is used by itself.

Best Hospital for Vaginal Brachytherapy

Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

One of the features of Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon is that it offers advanced cancer treatment, with vaginal brachytherapy. At the Artemis Cancer Centre, many oncology services are offered, mixed with modern technology and a team of different experts. Important features here include advanced HDR brachytherapy, a team of skilled oncologists and whole-person care. Artemis carries the JCI and NABH accreditation.

Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon

In Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital, patients can receive vaginal brachytherapy which uses the HDR brachytherapy method and the MAOLO template (Medanta Anterior Oblique Lateral Oblique) is a new device created to boost the success of brachytherapy for advanced cervical cancers. With Dr. Tejinder Kataria and Dr. Susovan Banerjee leading the way, Radiation Oncology experts at the hospital apply technology and specific treatments for the best hope of success.

Fortis Memorial research Institute, Gurgaon

The Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is regarded as a top hospital for its top-quality oncology care such as vaginal brachytherapy. In the Radiation Oncology department, High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is used for accurate treatment of cervical and endometrial cancers. Because of its multidisciplinary approach, FMRI can ensure that personalized care plans are given to all patients.

Max Hospital, Saket

Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, treats cancer patients with its Max Institute of Cancer Care (MICC). The treatment delivers radiation in a high dose that is precise to the tumor but protects healthy tissues. At the hospital, teams of doctors in different fields work together, allowing personal care for every patient. Being nationally accredited by several bodies, including the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, Max Super Speciality Hospital focuses on patients’ needs.

Apollo Hospital, Delhi

At Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, doctors use vaginal brachytherapy for the treatment of cancers in the uterus and cervix. The establishment relies on HDR brachytherapy for patients, makes sure to unite surgical, medical and radiation oncology care and regularly supports and educates the patients going through the procedure.

Long-term Effects of Vaginal Brachytherapy

  • Vaginal Shortening or Stenosis
  • Dryness & Discomfort
  • Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  • Bleeding
  • Skin Changes
  • Bladder or Bowel Irritation

Gynecologic Cancer Radiation Therapy

Many gynecologic cancers such as those of the uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva and ovaries, can be treated with radiation therapy. This treatment uses X-rays or protons to eliminate cancer cells or hinder their growth.

Different Methods of Radiation Therapy Used for Gynecologic Cancers

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

  • Linear accelerators are used during External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) to send radiation from outside the body.
  • Most gynecologic cancer cases are due to cervical, endometrial and vulvar cancers.

Brachytherapy

  • A source of radiation is placed within or very close to the tumor, in the vagina or uterus.
  • These types of cancers are often found in the reproductive organs.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

  • It is a precise therapy only offered for particular cases such as recurrences.
  • Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or has reappeared.

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

  • During an operation, a dome-shaped device directs radiation to the place where the tumor was removed.
  • Individuals with already established or repeated cases.
     

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