Establishing MRI-guided prostate intervention at a UK Centre.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe our preliminary experience in establishing an MRI suite capable to deliver targeted prostate biopsy and cryoablation. METHODS: This article includes a description of the necessary infrastructure alterations, scanning sequence suggestions, anaesthetic advice, and practical procedural considerations. We aim to examine the anticipated issues most UK centres would encounter and offer our experience in overcoming them. During this process we will also explore some of the technical aspects of MRI-guided prostate biopsy and cryoablation. RESULTS: The clinical indication, treatment rationale, intervention strategy, and initial clinical outcomes are described for our first series of patients. CONCLUSION: MRI-guided prostate intervention provides many theoretical advantages over traditional TRUS guidance. This article demonstrates some of the complexities encountered in establishing this technique in a UK centre, and the proposed solutions. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This article gives an account of establishing the first MRI intervention suite in the UK. It demonstrates some of the logistical considerations, and offers the unit's early experience.