SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum, and reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during radiation therapy. It has been clinically shown to help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy and improve patient quality of life.
The prostate is next to the rectum and naturally separated by a small space. Due to the proximity, prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum, which can lead to issues with bowel function.
The hydrogel spacer pushes the rectum away from the prostate and is designed to decrease rectal injury during prostate radiation therapy. By pushing the prostate farther from the rectum, the radiation dose delivered to the rectum is reduced, which may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is injected as a liquid through a needle inserted between the rectum and the prostate. It can be implanted via a local anesthetic that will numb the injection area or under general anesthesia that will put a patient to sleep during the procedure.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place for about 3 months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about 6 months.
On average, the procedure itself is about 30 minutes.
After the procedure, patients may return to their normal diet and light activity. It is recommended to avoid any heavy lifting more than 10 lbs or strenuous physical activity for 1 to 2 days, and then slowly ease back into regular activity. If patients suffer from any constipation, they should take over-the-counter stool softeners as needed.
Effective symptom relief with minimally invasive and low risk treatments.
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