To introdce the intraoperative nursing care during individual template assisted iodine 125 seeds implantation on advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Twelve patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers underwent iodine 125 seeds implantation. The key nursing care strategies include: make a detailed evaluation for each individual before the operation with an emphasis on psychological care, get familiar with the operational procedures of iodine 125 seeds implantation, assist in fixing the individual template and head, monitor the surroundings where the radioactive source is placed, exercise safety precautions during operation.

All cases accomplished the therapy of iodine 125 seeds implantation, the follow-up lasted for 11-35 months. The overall responding was 83.3% (10/12) . Major toxicities included radiation mucositis and dermatitis, local hemorrhage, xerostomia and dysphagia. No acute complications or treatment related radiation damages occurred in the trial.

Individual template assisted iodine 125 seeds implantation is a safe and effective therapy for head and neck cancer, and it should be emphasized that personalized nursing, psychological guidance and close observation can ensure a successful operation and excellent effectiveness.