The entire internal implantation session takes about 45 minutes. Hospitalization is not required for this type of internal implantation radiotherapy. Radiotherapy for vaginal cancer is usually given with a combination of external beam irradiation and internal implantation radiotherapy. Unlike the technique of internal implantation described in the above section on endometrial cancer, internal implantation for vaginal cancer is usually done in an operating room with the patient under anesthesia. Usually, plastic needles are inserted into the tissues involved with cancer.
Radiation therapy is given by placing radioactive wires inside the plastic needles.
After the implantation procedure the patient stays in a private hospital room for about 48 hours with the implant and radioactive wires in position. Most patients have little discomfort during their hospital stay. The implant is removed in the patient's hospital room. Implant removal takes about 5 minutes. The patient is discharged home from the hospital a few hours after the implant is removed.