At Urology Partners of North Texas, we are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatments. One of the innovative technologies we utilize for patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer is the use of hydrogel spacers, specifically Barrigel and SpaceOAR. These spacers are crucial in minimizing radiation toxicity to the rectum, enhancing patient safety and comfort. In this blog, we will explore the evolution of gel spacing, the straightforward procedure of spacer insertion, and the benefits these technologies offer to our patients.
The Evolution of Gel Spacing to Minimize Rectal Toxicity
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is a common and effective treatment. However, due to the proximity of the prostate to the rectum, there is a significant risk of radiation-induced damage to the rectal tissue. This can lead to complications such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. To address this, the concept of rectal spacing was introduced.
Hydrogel spacers, such as Barrigel and SpaceOAR, create a temporary space between the prostate and the rectum, effectively displacing the rectum away from the high-dose radiation field. This innovation significantly reduces the radiation dose received by the rectum, thereby minimizing the risk of side effects.
Why We Use Barrigel and SpaceOAR
Barrigel is a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel spacer that offers several advantages:
– Customizable Placement: Barrigel is the only sculptable spacer, allowing for precise and symmetrical placement, which is crucial for optimal rectal protection.
– Enhanced Safety and Comfort: Barrigel remains flexible until it is safely resorbed by the body, reducing the risk of rectal wall invasion and patient discomfort.
– Proven Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that Barrigel can reduce unwanted radiation exposure to the rectum by up to 85%, with some patients experiencing a 100% reduction.
SpaceOAR is another widely used hydrogel spacer made from polyethylene glycol (PEG):
Effective Radiation Protection: SpaceOAR has been clinically proven to significantly reduce radiation exposure to the rectum, improving patients’ urinary, sexual, and bowel quality of life.
– Biodegradable: SpaceOAR is absorbed by the body within approximately six months, making it a temporary yet effective solution for rectal protection during radiation therapy.
The Procedure: Straightforward and Safe
The insertion of hydrogel spacers is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed either under local anesthesia or in the outpatient surgery center for patient comfort. Using transrectal
ultrasound (TRUS) guidance, the hydrogel is injected into the space between the prostate and the rectum through a small needle. The procedure is quick, usually taking less than 15 minutes, and patients can often resume normal activities shortly afterward.
Patient Benefits
The use of Barrigel and SpaceOAR offers numerous benefits for patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer:
Reduced Rectal Toxicity: By creating a physical barrier between the prostate and the rectum, these spacers significantly reduce the radiation dose to the rectum, minimizing the risk of side effects such as rectal bleeding and diarrhea.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients report better urinary, sexual, and bowel function post-radiation treatment, contributing to an overall improved quality of life.
Temporary and Safe: Both Barrigel and SpaceOAR are biodegradable and absorbed by the body within six to nine months, ensuring that no long-term foreign materials remain in the body.
Dissolution and Minimal Side Effects
One key advantage of using hydrogel spacers is their temporary nature. Both Barrigel and SpaceOAR are designed to be absorbed by the body over time. Barrigel typically starts to dissolve after three months and is completely resorbed within six to nine months. SpaceOAR follows a similar timeline, with the gel beginning to break down after three months and fully dissolving within six months.
The dissolution process is gradual and has been shown to have minimal side effects. Patients rarely report discomfort during the absorption phase, and Barrigel’s flexible nature ensures that it moves naturally with the body, further enhancing patient comfort.
Commitment to Advanced Technology
At Urology Partners of North Texas, we pride ourselves on using the latest technology to benefit our patients. The integration of Barrigel and SpaceOAR into our treatment protocols is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient outcomes. Utilizing these advanced hydrogel spacers can offer our patients a safer, more comfortable radiation therapy experience with fewer side effects and better overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the use of Barrigel and SpaceOAR hydrogel spacers represents a significant advancement in the field of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. These innovative technologies protect the rectum from harmful radiation exposure and improve our patients’ overall treatment experience. At Urology Partners of North Texas, we are dedicated to adopting the best practices and technologies to ensure our patients’ highest standard of care.
If you are a patient recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and have further questions about treatments, please click the Make an Appointment button below. If you are an established patient, we hope this blog has answered questions you may have had regarding the rectal spacing procedure.
Citations:
[1] https://www.webfx.com/industries/health/urologists/seo/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35689413/
[3]
https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-specialties/urology-agency/seo-company/ [4] https://www.spaceoar.com
