Galway Clinic provides SpaceOAR Hydrogel which is a clinically proven, minimally invasive spacer designed to minimise the long-term urinary, sexual and bowel side effects and protect quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
This hydrogel has been designed to reduce radiation exposure to the organs surrounding the prostate. It does this by creating a space between the prostate and the rectum, preventing radiation from reaching healthy tissue in the rectum and maximising the dose to the affected prostate gland.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel has now been implanted in over 100,000 patients worldwide. A three-year evaluation of the treatment results shows it to be safe and effective – with patients displaying a significant reduction in rectal toxicity from radiation and a reduction in urinary symptoms after 15-37 months.
A little space before prostate radiation can make a BIG difference after.
Why should I have SpaceOAR Hydrogel?
By pushing the prostate farther from the rectum, the radiation dose delivered to the rectum is reduced, which may lessen damage to the rectum. With SpaceOAR Hydrogel in place, a doctor can complement the patient’s radiation treatment to better target their cancer while preserving healthy tissue to help maintain quality of life.
Is it safe?
SpaceOAR Hydrogel completed CE marking in 2012.Hydrogel spacer received positive NICE guidance (IPG590) for the reduction of rectal toxicity during radiotherapy for prostate cancer in 2017.
What is the procedure like and how long will it stay in my body?
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 three months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about 6 months. SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted during an outpatient procedure in a hospital, surgery center, outpatient clinic or doctor’s office prior to the start of radiation treatment. It is typically not a lengthy procedure – usually about 30 minutes.
What are the risks?
As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to: pain associated with SpaceOAR hydrogel injection; pain or discomfort associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel; needle penetration of the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, or urethra; injection of SpaceOAR Hydrogel into the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, or urethra; local inflammatory reactions; infection; injection of air, fluid or SpaceOAR Hydrogel intravascularly; urinary retention; rectal mucosal damage, ulcers, necrosis; bleeding; constipation; and rectal urgency.